The Eclipsed Bloom
Chapter 91: Manipulative mother

Chapter 91: Chapter 91: Manipulative mother

"Aunt, you know exactly why I didn’t come—so stop being overdramatic," Elira said flatly.

Ailany froze mid-step as she descended the stairs, her smile twitching. She quickly glanced at Lord Haldrin, who was already narrowing his eyes in suspicion. Catching his gaze, Ailany forced a soft smile and extended her arms as if trying to win an award for "Most Loving Stepmother."

"What are you saying, dear? How could I possibly know? I just missed you, that’s all. Come, give me a hug."

Elira rolled her eyes.

"Aunt... did you ever show even this much love to your real daughter?"

Haldrin turned sharply toward Ailany, his expression darkening.

Ailany’s face twitched, and though she kept her expression sweet, inside her mind she was cursing.

’Tch. This damned brat can’t just keep her mouth shut. And why would I ever love that red-eyed demon anyway?’

Haldrin’s voice came cold and curious.

"Ailany, where’s Betty? I just returned and, as usual, haven’t seen my daughter anywhere in this house."

Before Ailany could answer, a soft and sweet voice drifted from the far side of the staircase.

"I’m here, Father..."

Elira’s expression softened when she heard the voice—but as her gaze landed on the girl descending the stairs, her smile quickly faded into a frown.

She strode up the steps.

"Betty, why are you wearing that blindfold again? I’ve told you—many times—you’re beautiful just the way you are."

Betty flinched slightly at her sister’s words. Her hands trembled as she reached for Elira, her voice barely holding back tears.

Seeing Elira—her stepsister, the only one who ever truly treated her like family because haldrin most time always remain in border—brought down every emotional wall.

With a choked sob, she threw herself into Elira’s arms.

Elira hugged her tightly, cradling her head gently. "Okay, okay, don’t cry, little sister. I’m just saying... you don’t need to hide your eyes from me. or anyone Ever."

Betty gave a small nod and slowly reached up, pulling off the blindfold.

As her ruby-red eyes came into view, glowing softly in the light, Elira’s face lit up with a warm smile.

"See? You’re beautiful just the way you are," she said gently.

Betty’s lips curled into a shy smile. She nodded quickly, clearly touched by the words.

Haldrin, watching the tender scene between his daughters, turned sharply toward Ailany, his tone simmering with restrained fury.

"Ailany," he said sternly, "why is my daughter wearing a blindfold again?"

Ailany quickly lowered her gaze, hiding the flicker of rage behind her lashes.

’Can’t you see it? Those cursed eyes. She’s a demon... Ugh.’

She put on her well-practiced expression of concern.

"Husband, you know she insists on wearing it herself. I’ve told her many times not to, but she never listens to me."

Haldrin’s stern gaze softened as he turned to Betty.

"Daughter, is that true? I’m not stopping you from anything—but as your father, I need to know. Is this really your choice?"

Betty hesitated, then walked down the stairs, still holding Elira’s hand tightly. She stepped into her father’s embrace and hugged him tightly.

"Dad, I missed you..." she whispered.

Haldrin held her close, his expression softening further. "I missed you too, my dear. But... don’t dodge my question."

Betty pulled back slightly, offering a smile.

"Don’t worry, Dad... it’s my choice. Mother didn’t force me."

Elira frowned quietly at the side, her eyes shadowed with doubt. She looked away, biting her lip but saying nothing.

Ailany quickly stepped in, voice too cheerful.

"Now, now—your father just got home. Let him rest. He’s been waiting for Elira all day."

Elira didn’t respond. Without a glance, she turned and walked down the hall toward her room.

Haldrin lingered for a moment, then followed her lead, heading toward his own chambers.

Once they were gone, Ailany turned toward Betty, taking her by the hand and gently guiding her to her room. Inside, she sat her down in front of a large ornate mirror.

She leaned down and whispered softly into her ear—voice as smooth and cold as silk over ice.

"Look, Betty. Look at your eyes."

Betty blinked and hesitantly looked into the mirror. Her crimson irises stared back at her—bright, strange, beautiful.

Ailany’s voice darkened into a quiet hiss.

"This is why no one likes you. These eyes... they’re the color of blood. The color of monsters. This is why you’ll always be alone."

Tears welled up in Betty’s eyes as she stared into the glass.

’My sister said she liked them... didn’t she? Just now... she said I was beautiful. Or... is Mother right?’

Does everyone hate me because of my eyes?

She looked down, trembling. Her thoughts spiraled in silent conflict, caught between warmth and poison.

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Knock, knock.

Zara’s ear twitched at the sound. With a sleepy yawn, she slowly sat up, careful not to disturb the two warm bodies still curled beside her.

Shuffling to the door with half-lidded eyes, she cracked it open.

"Whooo..." she mumbled drowsily.

Patricia stood at the door, blinking at the disheveled Zara.

"Good morning, Miss," she said politely. "Glad to see you’re awake. I came to ask—would you prefer a spa or a shower?"

Zara blinked at the unfamiliar face and rubbed her eyes.

"Ah... w-who are you again?"

Patricia gave a small bow. "I’m Patricia, the butler assigned to manage Master Lucien’s estates in this realm. I’ll be assisting you during your stay."

Zara’s eyes widened slightly as memory kicked in.

Right... Lilith mentioned we were staying in Lucien’s Earth residence... not the vampire realm.

She tilted her head slightly.

Wait... spa? Is that just a fancy way of saying bath? Do people on Earth say ’spa’ instead of ’bath’?

"Um... I’ll take the spa then."

"Very good," Patricia nodded. "Please wake Miss Lilith and Miss Grace as well. The preparations will be ready shortly."

With a polite smile, Patricia walked off.

Zara slowly closed the door, staring blankly at it for a second.

’Huh? Why would I need to wake them? I’m the one taking a bath, no?’

She scratched her head, still half-asleep.

"...Do people here bathe in groups or something...?"

She turned and stared at the bed.

Lilith was swinging her hands to find her and Grace was sleeping like a kitten, both of them snuggled under the covers without a care in the world.

Zara sighed.

"...Maybe I’ll let them sleep five more minutes."