They approached a large mansion, with thick pillars and marble carvings. Blue and grey banners flew from the flagpole, with the same crest that Avice had found on her easel. Jack squeezed her hand for reassurance.
Natalia walked up to the front door and knocked three times. There was a silence before the door opened, and a young man with black hair and dull grey eyes looked out. "Yes? May I help you?" "We're here to see Lord Sparks," Natalia said evenly. He pursed his lips before opening the door wider. "Please, come in."
They entered a grand hall. The room was beautifully intricate, with a crystal chandelier and ornate paintings decorating the walls, but it was also strangely cold, the corners dark and sharp. The man bowed to them. "I will go tell Lord Sparks you are here. May I ask for a name?" "I am Lady Barrenholm," she said curtly. "He should be expecting me." The butler nodded before turning on his heel and leaving the room. Jack looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "Lady Barrenholm?" he asked, his head cocked. Natalia nodded. "Lady Barrenholm."
The man returned shortly. "He will meet you in the parlor," he said curtly. "Right this way." He led them to a strange humid room, with multiple couches. A fierce fire roared in the fireplace, and a portrait of a beautiful woman with piercing blue eyes and black hair hung over it. She looked very similar to Natalia, except she had a warmth to her that their captain was lacking. She wore a blue ball gown that matched her eyes perfectly, and she rested her head on her hand as she glanced up from her book. An elderly man sat in the corner, sharply dressed but with a blanket covering his legs despite the warmth of the room. He had dark brown eyes, and his hair was curly and white. He was freshly shaved, and his jaw was tight. The butler bowed out of the room, and the man cocked his head. "Lady Barrenholm?" Natalia stepped forward, her strides quick and powerful. "Not quite." She took out her knife quickly and held it to her father's throat before speaking to Jack. "Get the jewels." Jack squeezed Avice's hand before walking over to the fireplace. His eyes stayed on the portrait for a moment before he turned the head on a bust resting on the mantle. The fireplace shuddered before sliding away to reveal a secret chamber. The man's eyes widened. "But... how did you..." He spluttered before turning to look up at the hooded figure. "Aubrey?" She pressed the knife into his throat. "If you say one more word, I will slice you from navel to nose. Be silent."
Avice watched carefully. Stuff like this always made her a bit nervous, but seeing Natalia in action was intriguing to her.
The man swallowed nervously, and kept silent. Jack returned from the chamber, a linen bag bulging. He tucked it under his cloak. "Got it," he said quietly. The man gasped. "Tuck..?" "I told you to be quiet," Natalia growled. "You grabbed everything?" Jack nodded. "Please..." the man begged quietly. "At least let me see your faces."
Jack took her hand and squeezed, and his father noticed. "You're happy, Tuck? You've found happiness?" His voice was tremulous. Jack paused before speaking. "Yes. I have. More than you could ever know. Natalia was silent before she made a strange noise. "Jack, take off your hood." Raising an eyebrow, he did as she asked, and his father watched him hungrily, his gaze staying on his face. Jack looked back at him coldly, his head cocked. Natalia pulled her own hood off as well with her free hand, and her father's head turned to look up at her, his brow raised ever so slightly. In that moment, her appearance matched the woman hanging in the painting above the fireplace, except where the woman had a slight smile, Natalia's face was cold and harsh. Their father was quiet for a moment. "I'm so sorry." Natalia's jaw tightened, and she shook her head, her gaze meeting his. "It's not enough." Her hand darted, and she stabbed her father in the chest. His eyes widened with surprise, and she pulled out the dagger and turned away from him as he died. "Let's go," she said sharply, pulling her hood back on and cleaning off the blade as she walked away.
Avice took a small step back in surprise, holding Jack's hand firmly. After a moment, she went to follow Natalia.
Jack's expression was impossible to read as he pulled his hood over his head before following Natalia.
She didn't say anything at first, just held his arm protectively and reassuringly, occasionally looking up at him.
Jack's face was hard to read, but he kissed the top of her head as they walked out. His shoulders looked as if they were weighed down, and his eyes were terribly sad.
They left the house quietly, with Natalia walking up ahead. Jack turned to look at her. "Are you feeling okay?"
His jaw tensed, and he looked down at her before giving her a sad smile. "No," he admitted. "But that's to be expected."
