Inheritance of Shadows [Hugo Vlad x Fem!OC]

Chapter 18: Blossoming cloak

She snapped back to her surroundings, a broom in her hands, standing just outside the mansion. The memory of the basement still clawed at her, leaving her breath short. Her heart hammered like she had been running for miles, sweat dampening her temples. It was soul-crushing, unbearable. She clutched her chest tightly, almost digging in her nails just to ground herself. How much pain did he have to endure...

Then, a sound broke through her thoughts—light giggles, playful laughter. Yukari turned to see Serena chasing Hugo across the garden, their faces bright with joy.

The agony in her chest eased, if only slightly. At least he still had moments like this. She swept the path slowly, acting the part of a maid while her eyes lingered on the children. A fragile wish tugged at her—if only Hugo's life had stayed this way. The heaviness still lingered inside of her.

Maressa approached, carrying a tray of treats. Yukari turned her head, a little startled, then bowed politely.

"I see you're sweeping diligently," Maressa said with a small smile. Her gaze shifted to the children. "What do you think of those two?"

Yukari looked again at their carefree laughter, her grip on the broom tightening. The words almost caught in her throat, heavy with pity. "They're sweet. Full of life and joy. I... hope they can stay happy like this."

Maressa's eyes widened, surprised at the response. Then she softened, watching them fondly. "Hugo is always happiest with Serena. She never treats him differently. Always loves her brother."

Yukari glanced back at her, sensing a chance. "Then why does everyone else treat him differently?"

Maressa closed her eyes briefly, then met Yukari's gaze again. "Because everyone sees him as a rival to succeed the Father."

Silence fell between them, heavy but telling.

Finally, Maressa added quietly, "Hugo has always been gifted. He never fails to outshine his siblings. Which is why..." She trailed off, words dying in her throat. Instead, she pressed the tray of treats into Yukari's hands.

Before Yukari could ask about them, quick footsteps broke the moment. She turned to see Hugo and Serena racing toward her, flushed and breathless from their game.

She looked at Hugo, but her mind kept flashing back to the torture she had witnessed. Her eyes blinked rapidly, struggling to focus on what was in front of her.

Yet the scenes kept shifting—Hugo chained and bleeding, his uncle's vile hands, his father's whip.

When she came back to herself, Hugo, Serena, and Maressa were staring at her with concern. Yukari hadn't even realized she was starting to hyperventilate.

"Yukari? Are you okay?" Maressa asked, her hand steady on Yukari's shoulder.

"Maid Yukari? What's wrong?" Serena tugged gently at her skirt.

"You don't look well, miss..." Hugo's voice was quiet, worried.

But Yukari couldn't hear them clearly.

The trauma was finally setting in.

Her hands clenched too tight, crushing the treats in her grip. The voices around her drowned out, her chest tight, her breaths rasping as if she were drowning.

'I need to get it together. I have to. I can't—'

"Yukari!"

Her head snapped up. It sounded like Hugo calling her, but it was all of them—pulling her back to reality.