1 When Hell Broke Loose

Light was still streaming prettily through the skylight despite the darkness that was creeping through the room. The air was heavy and dark with apprehension, and all Sera could do was twist her hands idly. The Connelly family was gathered in their dinning room with all the windows drawn to ward off the curious stares.

Kicking her feet underneath her, the head of the family, Derek Connelly drilled his eyes into Sera's profile, making her halt her nervous movement. Sera swallowed before taking a sip of the water in the goblet before her. Her thoughts were so loud that she couldn't pay attention to the heated conversation at the table.

Her extended family was also present at the meal, which seemed more like a business meeting than anything else. All the eyes at the table were out for blood. And clearly, they were willing to remove anyone that got in their way.

The Connelly house was to marry into the royal house of St. Ellis, creating an alliance that would end years of bloodshed. But considering the fact that family could hardly behave themselves amongst another, Sera didn't know how that would go.

Her elder sister, Lilah, was given the role of being mouse in the hands of her family. Lilah could hardly care, she was the golden child after all. Sera had never resented her, she knew her role as the spare. Yet, the unease in her stomach when her mother looked at her as if she were a mere object made her heart yearn for Lilah. Was this how their parents treated her? If so, it could be a possibility as to why she disappeared. But Lilah has never been an emotional person. She was sharp yet aloof. Ethereal yet distant.

Lilah disappeared a week ago without a word. Her room was left untouched, so clean to the point Sera couldn't tell if she even slept in the room once. Lilah could be dead for that matter. But what were the Connelly household doing? Scrambling to find a solution to the failed plans that included Lilah. Sera tightened her fists in her hands. There were no signs of distress at all. What could've happened?

Her name was called sharply, and it brought Sera out of her thoughts.

"Sera turned eighteen a couple months ago. She is fit to acquire the position of a woman in a household," Mother recited.

"To be frank with you, Sera has no power here. Don't waste your energy on her, Mallory," Aunt Greta sneered.

Father slammed his hand down on the table. "His Highness called for Lilah. If not, Sera will do."

"You are assuming that His Highness would still want her," Uncle Arthur laughed. "Uriah is much more beautiful. Offering her would be more logical."

Sera's cheek burned, but she still maintained a placid expression. Uriah was beautiful with coveting blonde hair that fell in waves and bright jade colored eyes. Sera also inherited the blonde locks, but her eyes came from her mother which were a mucky brown. Luckily for Uriah, she was not present at the meeting due to a health condition. If only Sera could say the same.