Chapter 12

Sarah's POV

The storm outside mirrored the tempest within me. I stood by the window, watching the long driveway as the first car approached. It had been weeks since Eren and I had married, and during that time, the sprawling Blackwood mansion had felt like a prison, its shadows growing darker with each passing day. Now, with the arrival of Axel and Eren's parents, it seemed the weight of those shadows would only deepen.

I didn't know much about Eleanor and Victor Blackwood. Eren spoke of them sparingly, and Axel's cryptic remarks offered little insight. What I did know was that their influence extended far beyond the walls of this estate. The Blackwoods were a family shrouded in mystery and power—a dynasty that thrived on control.

And now, they were back.

The sound of car tires crunching over gravel broke my thoughts. I stepped away from the window as the grand Blackwood family car came to a halt. My heart raced, though I wasn't sure if it was fear or anticipation.

---

Eren's POV

The heavy doors of the mansion creaked open, and I stood in the foyer, watching as my parents stepped inside. Eleanor entered first, her presence commanding as always. She wore a long black coat, its collar lined with fur, and her dark eyes scanned the room with sharp precision. Victor followed closely behind, his imposing frame and stern expression giving him the air of a general returning from battle.

"Eren," my mother said, her voice smooth and cold, like silk over steel.

"Mother," I said, stepping forward to kiss her cheek. "Father."

Victor nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked me over. "It's been a while, hasn't it? You've managed to keep the house in one piece, I see."

I forced a smile. "Of course. How was your trip?"

"Necessary," Eleanor said simply, her gaze already drifting past me. "And where is your lovely bride?"

Before I could answer, Sarah appeared at the top of the staircase. She descended slowly, her expression composed but wary. She wore a soft blue dress that complimented her pale complexion, and for a moment, even my mother seemed impressed.

"Sarah," Eleanor said warmly, her tone a stark contrast to the coolness she had shown me. "It's a pleasure to finally see you again. You've settled in well, I hope?"

"As well as I can," Sarah replied, her voice steady. She reached the bottom of the stairs and extended a hand to Eleanor, who surprised us both by pulling her into a tight embrace.

"You're part of the family now," Eleanor said, her tone almost affectionate. "And we take care of our own."

There was something unsettling about the way she said it, and I caught the briefest flicker of unease in Sarah's eyes.

---

Sarah's POV

The warmth of Eleanor's embrace felt rehearsed, like an actor playing a role. When she released me, her sharp eyes held mine for a moment longer than necessary.

"You're every bit as beautiful as Eren said," she said, her lips curling into a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Thank you," I replied, forcing a polite smile.

Victor stepped forward then, his towering presence making me feel small. He studied me with the intensity of a predator sizing up its prey.

"Eleanor's right," he said finally, his voice deep and gravelly. "You'll make a fine addition to this family."

I nodded, unsure of what to say. There was an edge to his words, as if they carried a weight I couldn't yet understand.

"I trust you've been enjoying your time here," he continued, his tone conversational but his eyes sharp.

"It's been an adjustment," I admitted carefully.

"Good," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Adjustments are necessary when you marry into a family like ours."

Before I could respond, Axel appeared in the doorway. He leaned casually against the frame, his usual smirk firmly in place.

"Well, isn't this a sight?" he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "The prodigal parents return."

Eleanor's smile tightened slightly, but she didn't acknowledge his sarcasm.

"Axel," she said coolly. "Still as charming as ever, I see."

He pushed off the doorframe and walked toward us, his gaze flicking briefly to me before settling on his mother. "I do my best."

Victor stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Axel's shoulder. "Behave yourself," he said, though there was a glint of approval in his eyes.

Axel shrugged off his father's hand and turned his attention to me. "Enjoying your welcome party, Sarah?"

"It's... memorable," I said, my voice laced with caution.

His smirk widened, and for a moment, I thought he might say something more. But then Eleanor clapped her hands together, drawing everyone's attention.

"Let's not linger in the foyer," she said. "We've been traveling for days, and I'd prefer to sit down with a glass of wine. Eren, show us to the sitting room, won't you?"

---

Eren's POV

I led the way to the sitting room, my mind racing. My parents had always been ruthless, but their interest in Sarah was unsettling. They weren't the type to show affection without reason, and I couldn't shake the feeling that their approval came with strings attached. Did their plans change for Sarah?

As we entered the sitting room, I caught Axel watching Sarah again. His gaze was intense, almost possessive, and it made my blood boil.

"Sarah," Eleanor said as we all took our seats. "Tell us about yourself. We've heard so much from Eren, but I'd like to hear it from you."

Sarah hesitated, her hands folded neatly in her lap. "There's not much to tell, really. I grew up in the city. My parents passed away when I was young, so I've mostly been on my own."

Eleanor's smile softened, though her eyes remained sharp. "A tragic past, but one that has clearly shaped you into a strong woman. That's good. Strength is important in this family."

"Speaking of strength," Victor interjected, his gaze shifting to me. "How's business, Eren? Have you been managing the family's affairs well?"

I nodded. "Of course. Everything is running smoothly."

Victor's expression didn't change, but I could feel his skepticism. "Good. Because if it's not, you'll have to answer for it."

—

Sarah's POV

The tension in the room was too much for me to bare, and I couldn't help but feel like an outsider in my own home. Eleanor's questions were polite on the surface, but they felt like an interrogation. Victor's presence was even more intimidating, his every word carrying an unspoken threat.

And then there was Axel. He sat across from me, his eyes never leaving my face. It was unnerving, the way he looked at me, as if he could see right through me.

"Sarah," Axel said suddenly, breaking the silence. "What do you think of the Blackwood family so far?"

The question caught me off guard, and I hesitated. "It's... different from what I'm used to."

Axel chuckled, his gaze darkening. "That's one way to put it."

"Enough," Eleanor said sharply, her tone leaving no argument. "Sarah is a part of this family now, and she deserves our respect."

Axel's smirk faded, but the intensity in his eyes remained.