Sylana came through the door like someone who'd been running. Not literally. But close.
She dropped into a chair, dragged a hand through her hair, and let out a groan that came from somewhere genuinely tired. "I swear, escaping from Aveline's endless paperwork feels like fleeing from hell. I hate her so much."
Lita's mother looked up. She kept her face neutral but the corners of her mouth moved. "You really need to find a better way to deal with your frustrations, Sylana. But it's good to see you. What's brought you here today?"
"I just needed a break. Aveline is relentless. I thought I'd come and enjoy some actual conversation instead of drowning in papers."
"Speaking of conversations, our mother just visited. She brought Lita a gift, a bracelet from the Valliere treasure."
Sylana sat up fast. "Mother visited? Why wasn't I informed? What did she want? Did she say anything about me?"
"Calm down." A hand went up. "She was just here to see Lita and catch up a bit. But I'm sure she would love to see you too, especially since you're family."
"What did she say? How was she? Was she in a good mood?"
"Surprisingly, yes. She seemed happy to see Lita. But I got the feeling she wasn't too thrilled about your absence. You know how she is about family."
Sylana went quiet. Something shifted in her face. "What did Lita think of her?"
"Lita was overjoyed. She loved the bracelet and was excited to hear about our family legacy."
That landed differently. Sylana's jaw tightened slightly, and she looked at the far wall. Jealousy. Pride. Both, probably. "I can't believe Mother came here without telling me. I would've liked to see her, especially after all the nonsense with Aveline."
"I think you should pay her a visit. Lita would love to see her aunt, and Mother would appreciate the effort. Maybe it would even lift some of that weight off your shoulders."
Sylana was quiet for a long beat. Then, something decided. "You're right. I need to confront this mess and remind them I'm still part of the family. Thanks for the push."
"Anytime." A pause. "But first, let's talk about how you're going to deal with Aveline when you return. I'm pretty sure she'll be waiting for you."
Sylana groaned. Then laughed, just a little. "Great, just what I need. More paperwork. But I think I have a plan to make her life a little more interesting."
The laughter didn't last.
Lita's mother's expression shifted like weather. Slow at first, then all at once. She leaned forward, voice dropping. "But your plans are already falling apart, Sylana. You won't take Lita from me. That letter you sent, it's already caused enough trouble."
The warmth left Sylana's face. "What do you mean? That letter was meant to protect Lita!"
"Protect her? Or manipulate her?" Ice in the words. "You're the one who's failing. You were supposed to tell me first, but instead, Mother took the spotlight, all thanks to that letter you sent."
Cold spread from Sylana's side of the room. Not metaphorically. The temperature actually dropped, frost crawling across the tabletop in thin, branching lines. Her mother picked up her tea and took a slow sip, watching the frost reach the edge of the cup.
Didn't flinch. Not once.
"Is this how you plan to solve everything? With threats?" Calm. Steady. "You need to understand that Lita is not just a pawn in your game. She's our sister."
The frost slowed. Sylana's chest moved too fast. "I just want what's best for her. But I can't let you—"
"Let me what? Care for her?" The cup went down with a soft sound. "You're so consumed by your own insecurities that you're willing to freeze everything around you, including your family."
Sylana's throat moved. The ice pulled back, barely. "I didn't mean to—"
"Then stop acting like this. You don't have to push me away. We can protect Lita together."
Something broke open in Sylana's expression. Her eyes went wet. The frost was almost gone now, retreating toward her hands. "But I feel like I'm losing her. What if she doesn't want me in her life anymore?"
"Lita loves you. You're her aunt, and she looks up to you." A hand reached across the table and covered hers. "You just need to be honest with her and with yourself. It's okay to ask for help."
One unsteady breath. Then another. The cold let go completely. "I just, I'm scared of losing everyone."
"You won't. We're family, and that means we fight for each other, not against. Let's figure this out together."
It lasted about thirty seconds.
Sylana pulled her hand back. Stood. Brushed off her sleeves like the whole thing hadn't happened. "I don't need your pity. I'll just sleep in your room instead."
One eyebrow up. Cool. "You're not sleeping in my room. You know the rules."
Sylana was already at the door. "I'll do what I want," she muttered, and then she was gone.