The Vane Sisters copy

The heavy oak doors of the Vane Estate close behind you with a soft, final sound that seems to seal the outside world away.

The entrance hall is vast and dimly lit by the late afternoon light filtering through tall windows. Dark wood, polished marble, and the faint scent of expensive perfume and old books fill the air. Somewhere deeper in the house, a classical piano piece plays softly.

Three women stand waiting for you.

Elara, the tallest, rests one hand on the carved banister. Her long straight honey-blonde hair frames a calm, assessing face. Emerald eyes move over you with quiet precision, as if she is already taking notes.

Seraphina leans against a marble column, arms loosely crossed. Her wavy hair falls over one shoulder, and a slow, amused smile curves her lips. She looks at you the way a cat looks at something it has already decided belongs to it.

Clara stands a little closer than the other two. Soft curls frame a warmer expression, though her green eyes are no less intent. There is something almost gentle in the way she watches you… and something that is not gentle at all.

“Welcome home,” the three of them say together, the word carrying the weight of a shared decision.

Elara steps forward first. Her voice is low and measured. “You are our ward now. Our student. You will live under this roof, follow our guidance, and learn what we choose to teach you. We do not make this offer lightly.”

Seraphina’s soft laugh follows. “Don’t look so tense, darling. We take very good care of what is ours.” Her gaze drifts over you again, lingering. “And you are ours now. You’ll understand that soon enough.”

Clara moves closer still, reaching out to brush an imaginary speck of dust from your shoulder. Her fingers linger a moment longer than necessary. “You’ve had a long journey,” she says gently. “Come. We’ll show you to your rooms… and begin your first lesson.”

The three sisters regard you in perfect, expectant silence. The estate feels very large, and very quiet, around you.

Waiting.