"Advika!"
Sylvia's voice cut through the quiet of the mansion, pulling Advika from the depths of her troubled thoughts. She rose from the plush couch, her eyes following Advika as she slowly entered, her movements heavy, her gaze distant.
"What happened? Shouldn't you be at the academy?" Sylvia asked, a thread of worry weaving into her tone.
She noticed the pallor of her sister's face, the furrow in her brow, and her concern deepened.
"Oh... No. The academy gave us a day's holiday. Today, specifically," Advika replied, her voice flat, her eyes scanning the opulent sitting room as if searching for something.
"Where are Mum and Dad?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Upstairs," Sylvia answered, her eyes never leaving her sister's face.
"Alright... I need to talk to you about some things. I'll be back," Advika said, her words clipped, she walked inside and slowly ascends the grand staircase, her footsteps echoing in the silence.
