She was tall and striking, with long, voluminous white curls that fell like a perfect cascade of snow down to the middle of her back, glowing softly under the light of the setting sun. Two long, elegant black horns, dark as obsidian, emerged from her head, giving her a majestic and slightly demonic presence. Her eyes were a deep, hypnotic lilac, shining like amethysts beneath the stars.
She wore a breathtaking black dress, long and sophisticated, made of such dark velvet that it seemed to absorb the light around her. The V-neckline was deep yet elegant, accentuating her collarbone and the curve of her breasts. The waist was cinched, flowing into a fluid skirt with a side slit that revealed part of her long legs with every step. Long, fitted sleeves ended in delicate cuffs, completing the image of a woman who was both noble and dangerous.
The woman — Lirael — stopped in front of the iron gates. Her lilac eyes met Odette's through the bars, conveying a mixture of familiarity, seriousness, and a hint of danger.
— Hello, Odette — she said, her voice soft and melodic, carrying the weight of many years. — It has been a long time.
As the three walked back toward the mansion, the sun finally disappeared on the horizon, painting the sky in deep shades of purple and gold. Vivienne held Odette's hand a little tighter, feeling a mix of curiosity and light tension in the air.
As soon as they entered the main hall, Odette made a discreet gesture for the servants to withdraw. The room fell silent, illuminated only by the soft light of the candelabras and the stained-glass windows.
Lirael stopped in the center of the hall, her long white curls shining like snow under the candlelight. Her lilac eyes scanned the space calmly, while her two curved horns cast elegant shadows on the walls.
Odette took a deep breath, still holding Vivienne's hand. Her voice came out low, almost childlike for a brief moment:
— Mom… what brings you here?
The silence that followed was heavy. Vivienne blinked, surprised, glancing quickly at Odette and then at Lirael.
Lirael Montflourentes — now revealed as Odette's mother — smiled softly, but her lilac eyes carried an ancient weight. She tilted her head slightly, making her white curls sway.
— Mom… — Lirael repeated, as if testing the word. — It has been so long since you last called me that.
She took a step forward, her black dress flowing like shadow around her body.
— I came because I heard about your transformation…
Lirael Montflourentes was not Odette's biological mother. Years ago, when Odette was just an eight-year-old orphan, lost and starving on the cold streets of Châtelune after her parents' death, Lirael found her. Without hesitation, she adopted her, took her home, and raised her as her own daughter. She taught her elegance, power, control, and survival. To the world, Lirael was a mysterious woman of ethereal beauty. To Odette, she was simply "Mom" — the only person who had given her a home and a future when everything seemed lost.
Lirael took another step forward, her black dress flowing like shadow around her. Her lilac eyes fixed on Odette with a mixture of affection and gravity.
Vivienne held Lirael's gaze with elegant and respectful posture. She gave a slight bow of her head, exactly as Vivienne Dael's memories taught her to do before someone of importance.
— The pleasure is all mine, Lady Lirael — she replied, her voice soft, clear, and full of respect. — Odette has told me a little about you… about how you took her in when she needed it most. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking care of her and for turning her into the woman I love today.
Vivienne raised her gaze again, her amber-golden eyes shining with sincerity.
— It is an honor to meet you in person. Welcome to our home.
Lirael observed Vivienne for another second, as if surprised by the polite and genuine response. A faint smile curved her lips.
Odette squeezed Vivienne's hand tighter, still processing the unexpected presence of the woman who had raised her.
— Mom… — Odette repeated, almost as if testing the word again. — You never visit without warning. What is really happening?
Lirael smiled softly, but her lilac eyes carried a sincere concern.
— I just wanted to see with my own eyes if you were alright. After everything we've been through together… I needed to make sure my daughter was safe.
The hall fell silent for a few seconds. Vivienne watched the two women, feeling the weight of a relationship that went far beyond blood.
Lirael took another step, approaching them with natural grace.
— May I come in properly? I would like to talk calmly… as a mother talks to the daughter she hasn't seen in years.
Odette took a deep breath and, finally, nodded.
— Come in, Mom. Let's go to the living room.
PROFILE UPDATE →
Name: Lirael Montflourentes
Race: Unknown
(Appears as a Horned Demoness / Ancient Being)
Apparent Age: 39
Real Age: Unknown
(Centuries old)
Height: 1.78 m
Weight: 62 kg