WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 6

"Thank you, Mrs. Carlston," Lily said softly, but with conviction. "Lovely to be here."

Helen's lips narrowed into a smile. "Mrs. Carlston for now, dear. But soon, I expect you to call me Grandmother."

"Of course," Lily murmured, dipping her head respectfully.

Vandaulf had been silent throughout the exchange but stepped forward. "Mother," he said with a sharp voice. "Everything all right?"

"Naturally," Helen replied, cool tones dripping from every word. She pointed toward the great entrance. "The staff has prepared everything for Lily's transition into the household. Don't you fret."

"I wasn't worried," Vandaulf said, pushing past her toward the doors.

Helen's eyes narrowed a little as she watched her son, then returned to Lily. "You must be tired from the journey," she said, though there was no warmth in her tone. "Come, I'll show you to your rooms."

Lily followed Helen into the mansion, her steps light and deliberate. 

 It was big Mansion more extravagant than outside, with soaring ceilings, elegant crystal chandeliers, and furnishings of opulence that spoke of wealth, power,grandeur and authority.

Every detail seemed designed to impress or intimidate.

As she climbed the sweeping staircase, Helen glanced back at Lily, her sharp gaze flicking over her. "I trust you understand the expectations of this family, Lily," she said, her voice low but firm.

Lily met her gaze, her expression calm. "I do," she said simply.

"Good," Helen said, her voice dripping no illusion of doubt. "This family is built on tradition and reputation. Any misstep, no matter how small, reflects poorly on all of us, Lily. I'm sure I don't need to explain what that means for you and Hope you understand that we value reputation."

"And of course," she repeated, as steady as if she weren't forming a knot inside her chest.

Helen’s lips pressed into a thin line of approval. "You’ll learn quickly, I’m sure. After all, Vandaulf chose you, and he rarely makes mistakes."

Lily nodded, biting back the retort that sprang to her lips. She knew better than to challenge Helen Carlston, at least not now.

They came to a pair of grand double doors, which Helen pushed open to reveal an elegant suite. "These will be your rooms," Helen said, stepping aside to let Lily enter. "You'll find everything you need here. If you require anything else, speak to the staff."

"Thank you, Mrs. Carlston,No worries I will ask them if I need any." She said, stepping into the room. It was beautiful and elegant with floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the gardens, plush furnishings in soft, muted tones, and an air of quiet luxury. But to Lily, it felt more like a gilded cage.

Helen lingered in the doorway for a moment, her sharp gaze sweeping over Lily once more. "Remember, Lily," she said, her tone pointed, each syllable deliberately sharpened. "This family demands perfection. Anything less is unacceptable."

Lily stood motionless in the center of the room, her expression carefully neutral. "Of course, Mrs. Carlston," she replied evenly, though her voice was deliberately soft, with no trace of the boldness she kept buried within.

Helen's gaze narrowed slightly, as if she were trying to tell whether Lily's deference was on the level. "Good," she said finally, her voice full of warning beneath the surface. "I'll be watching you, Lily. I suggest you give me no reason to worry."

"Understood," Lily mumbled, lowering her head slightly in a gesture of respect-or what Helen would interpret as respect.

With this, Helen turns and walks out; the sharp clinking of her heels is carried down the long hallway. Heavy double doors swing shut behind her, leaving Lily alone in a room that seems to be squeezing the air from her despite its size.

She let out a slow, controlled breath and turned to face the large window overlooking the Carlston estate. The sprawling gardens, perfectly manicured and pristine, seemed to mock her. The world outside looked free and endless, while hers had just become smaller, bound by expectations and unspoken rules.

But as her reflection stared back at her from the glass, Lily caught a flicker of something else—Ina’s smirk. It was faint, but unmistakable. A reminder that this wasn’t the end. It was only the beginning.

Lily straightened her posture, smoothing the invisible wrinkles from her dress. Helen might think she was just another compliant addition to the Carlston dynasty, but Helen had no idea of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

"Perfection," Lily whispered to herself, the word tinged with quiet defiance. "I’ll give them their perfection."

But she knew, deep down, it wouldn’t be the kind of perfection they expected.

The air inside the mansion was full of tension, for Vandaulf took Lily on a tour through its grand halls. He walked heavily, his steps measured, like every other sound was against the gleam of polished marble under his feet. Lily trailed after him, her head bowed, hands clasped before her-a silent obedience. Ina inside of her simmered, pent-up but watching.

Vandaulf finally stopped before a pair of intricately carved double doors. He turned to her, his sharp blue eyes locking onto hers, as cold and unyielding as ice. "This," he said curtly, gesturing toward the doors, "is where you’ll stay."

Lily hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering to the doors before returning to him. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice meek, rehearsed.

Vandaulf looked at her for a beat longer, his face unreadable and cold. Then, with a flick of his wrist, Vandaulf pushed open the doors, revealing a lavishly appointed room. The furnishings were extravagant, every detail carefully curated to convey wealth and power. Yet, the atmosphere felt clinical, devoid of warmth or comfort.

"This room," he began, his voice resolute, "is joined to mine through that door." He pointed toward a much smaller, innocuous-looking door on the opposite side of the room. "You are to stay here until I tell you otherwise."

Lily's eyes flicked toward the connecting door for a moment, her stomach constricting at the meaning behind it. She nodded, keeping the composed mask. "Alright," she whispered.

Vandaulf stepped closer, towering over her, his voice dropping to a cold, commanding tone. "When my grandmother Helen is present, we will act as though we share the same room. You will play the part of the devoted wife—sweet, compliant, and entirely in love with me. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Vandaulf," Lily replied, her voice steady but soft.She kept her gaze fixed on a point just over his shoulder, refusing to meet his eyes directly.

Vandaulf reached out, his fingers tilting her chin upward until she had no choice but to look at him. "You will do as you're told,Lily." he said, his voice low but heavy with authority. "I will not tolerate disobedience. Helen expects perfection, and I intend to deliver it. You will not embarrass me Lily!"

Lily swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words settle upon her. "I understand," she said softly, barely above a whisper.

Vandaulf released her chin, letting his hand fall to his side. "Good," he said brusquely, retreating a step. "Dinner is at eight. You will dress appropriately and behave as expected."

He turned and headed toward the door, his authority filling the space even as he departed. The door closed decisively behind him and Lily was alone in the choking silence.

Lily stands frozen for one instant, her heart pounding in her chest. The meek mask she put on feels heavier than ever, but she holds onto it, remembering that one mistake could send everything falling apart. Gradually, she turns to the large window, her reflection staring back at her.

Ina's voice whispered back there in her mind. Not yet, but soon.