February- 1 Week before Valentine's Day.

It was a quiet February afternoon, just a week before Valentine's Day, and the faint rays of winter sunlight filtered through the frosted glass windows of Furina's room. The soft glow gave the space a dreamlike quality, illuminating the array of unfinished paintings and scattered art supplies that surrounded her. Furina sat at her easel, a small paintbrush poised delicately in her hand. Her expression was calm, almost serene, as she carefully added fine details to her latest work—a painting of Fontaine's grand opera house submerged in water, the crimson sky above reflecting the despair she had felt during that fateful event.

Across the room, perched on a stool with a casual ease, was Lianis, one of the Fatui guards assigned to the mansion. They had quickly become a source of comfort for Furina, offering her companionship in a place where isolation had become her reality. Their presence was a rare reprieve from the oppressive atmosphere that loomed over the estate.

Lianis was sharp and androgynous, their dark uniform tailored perfectly to their lithe frame. Their short, choppy hair framed their face, and their sharp eyes held a mixture of warmth and curiosity as they watched Furina paint.

"Still working on the opera house?" Lianis asked, their voice soft but tinged with curiosity. They leaned forward, resting their chin in their hand as they studied the canvas. "You've been painting that place a lot lately. Is it special to you?"

Furina paused, her brush hovering above the canvas as a shadow passed over her delicate features. Her short silvery-blue hair fell softly around her face, framing her fragile beauty. She wore a pale blue gown that accentuated her ethereal appearance, though it hung loosely on her frame, a sign of her diminished appetite in recent weeks.

"It's not the place itself," Furina murmured, her voice barely audible. "It's... what it represents. It's the last time I felt... whole. Before everything fell apart."

Lianis tilted their head, their brows furrowing slightly. "You don't have to tell me if it's painful," they said gently.

Furina shook her head, offering a faint smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's fine," she said. "Talking about it makes it easier to bear. Besides, you've been a good listener, Lianis. I suppose I owe you some honesty in return."

Lianis chuckled softly, leaning back on the stool. "You don't owe me anything, Furina. I just like hearing you talk. It's a nice break from the usual orders and chaos."

Furina's smile grew a little more genuine, and she dipped her brush into a shade of deep blue, continuing her work in silence for a moment. The two of them shared a quiet camaraderie, the kind that didn't require constant words to feel meaningful.

As Furina painted, she began to speak again, her voice distant as if she were recalling a memory. "The opera house... it was the heart of Fontaine. A place of beauty and art, where people gathered to celebrate life. And yet, it's also where everything ended for me."

Lianis opened their mouth to ask more, but before they could, the door to Furina's room swung open with a creak. Both of them turned to see Arlecchino standing in the doorway, her presence as commanding as ever. The Harbinger's crimson and black attire seemed to absorb the light, casting her in a shadowy aura that made the air in the room feel heavier.

Arlecchino's sharp eyes immediately locked onto Lianis, and her lips curved into a faint, unreadable smile. "Lianis," she said, her voice smooth but carrying an edge that left no room for argument. "Leave us."

Lianis hesitated, glancing at Furina with concern before nodding. "Of course, Lady Knave," they said, standing and giving Furina a reassuring look. "I'll see you later," they added softly before walking out of the room, the door clicking shut behind them.

The silence that followed was suffocating. Furina gripped her paintbrush tightly, her heart pounding as Arlecchino stepped further into the room. The Harbinger's gaze flicked to the painting for a moment before settling on Furina, her expression unreadable.

"You've been keeping yourself busy," Arlecchino remarked, her tone calm but with an undercurrent of something darker. "It's good to see you finding ways to pass the time."

Furina set her brush down with trembling hands, turning to face Arlecchino. "What do you want?" she asked, her voice wavering. "Why are you here?"

Arlecchino didn't answer immediately. Instead, she moved closer, her steps deliberate and unhurried. She stopped beside Furina, her presence looming as she reached out and picked up the brush Furina had been using, examining it with idle curiosity.

"I've been thinking," Arlecchino said finally, her voice soft but carrying an intensity that made Furina's stomach twist. "About the past. About us."

Furina's breath hitched, and she clenched her fists in her lap. "There is no 'us,'" she said firmly, though her voice trembled with emotion. "Not anymore."

Arlecchino's expression darkened, and she set the brush down, her gaze piercing as she looked at Furina. "Tell me," she said, her voice low. "Tell me what happened. I need to understand."

Furina's eyes widened in disbelief. "You don't remember?" she asked, her voice rising with a mix of anger and incredulity. "How can you not remember?"

Arlecchino's jaw tightened, and she took a step back, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "I don't," she admitted, her voice filled with frustration. "There are gaps in my memory, fragments of something I can't piece together. All I know is that it involves you—and it's important."

Furina stared at her, her mind racing as she tried to process what she was hearing. Finally, she let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "Fine," she said, her voice laced with bitterness. "If you really want to know, I'll tell you. But don't expect me to hold back."

She took a deep breath, her hands trembling as she began to speak. "It started in Fontaine, at the height of my reign as the Hydro Archon. You came to me under the guise of an ally, offering your assistance during a time of great turmoil. I was naïve enough to believe you."

Her voice cracked, and she paused to steady herself before continuing. "We grew close. You were... different then. Or at least, I thought you were. You made me feel things I'd never felt before—trust, admiration, even love. And for a while, I thought you felt the same."

Arlecchino's expression remained unreadable, but there was a flicker of something—regret, perhaps—in her eyes as she listened.

"But it was all a lie," Furina said, her voice breaking as tears welled up in her eyes. "You used me. You took the Gnosis from me after we shared a night together—a night I thought was meaningful. And then you betrayed me in the worst way possible."

Her hands clenched into fists, her knuckles turning white as she relived the memories. "You killed me. On that stage, during the flood that devastated Fontaine. You struck me down in front of everyone, leaving me to drown in the chaos. And when it was over, all that remained was a single blue rose—a symbol of everything we could have been, and everything you destroyed."

Arlecchino's breath caught, and for a moment, she looked genuinely shaken. She opened her mouth to speak, but Furina cut her off.

"I don't care if you've forgotten," Furina said, her voice trembling with anger and sorrow. "I'll never forget. I'll never forgive you for what you did."

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of Furina's words hanging between them. Arlecchino's gaze dropped to the floor, her expression unreadable as she processed what she had just heard.

Finally, she spoke, her voice low and filled with an emotion Furina couldn't quite place. "I don't expect your forgiveness," she said softly. "But I need to make things right. Even if I don't remember, I feel... something when I'm around you. Something I can't ignore."

Furina looked away, her tears spilling over as she whispered, "It's too late, Arlecchino. You can't undo what's been done."

As she said that, she sat frozen, her trembling hands gripping the edge of the small wooden stool as the weight of her confession lingered in the room. Her breath came in shallow gasps, the emotion in her voice still raw and jagged. Arlecchino stood a few feet away, her crimson-and-black figure stark against the pale backdrop of the room. The silence between them was suffocating, oppressive, like the calm before an inevitable storm.

But Furina knew better than to expect kindness from the Harbinger. Her heart thundered in her chest as she waited for the reaction she dreaded most.

Arlecchino's posture stiffened as she stared at Furina, her gloved hands curling into tight fists at her sides. Her sharp, fiery eyes burned with a mixture of confusion, frustration, and something darker—something dangerous. "You're lying," she said finally, her voice cold and cutting. "This story you've spun—it's absurd. You're just trying to provoke me."

Furina's lip quivered as she met Arlecchino's glare. "I'm not lying," she said softly, though her voice trembled. "Why would I make this up? You don't even remember what you did, do you?"

"Enough!" Arlecchino's voice cracked like a whip, silencing Furina's protests. She took a menacing step forward, her boots thudding heavily against the floor. Her expression twisted into one of unbridled anger, and the room seemed to shrink as her presence loomed larger. "I came here for answers, not your theatrics."

Furina shrank back instinctively, her slender frame trembling like a leaf in a storm. But even in her fear, something defiant stirred within her. "It's not theatrics," she whispered, her voice gaining strength. "It's the truth. You can't run from it forever."

Arlecchino's patience snapped. With a growl of frustration, she closed the distance between them in a flash, her gloved hand gripping Furina's arm with bruising force. Furina barely had time to react before Arlecchino yanked her off the stool and flung her to the ground. The impact knocked the breath from her lungs, and she gasped in pain as her knees and palms scraped against the cold floor.

"You dare to accuse me of such things?" Arlecchino hissed, towering over Furina with a glare that could cut through steel. "Do you think you can speak to me however you please without consequence?"

Furina scrambled to push herself up, but Arlecchino was faster. She grabbed Furina's shoulder and forced her back down, pinning her in place. Her gloved hand moved to Furina's face, her nails—razor-sharp even through the fabric—scraping harshly against her cheek. Furina cried out as she felt the sting of skin breaking, a thin line of blood trailing down her pale face.

"Stop!" Furina pleaded, her voice cracking as tears streamed down her face. She turned her head away, her breaths coming in panicked gasps. "Arle.., please..."

But Arlecchino didn't stop. Her chest heaved with frustration, and her grip on Furina tightened. "You've done nothing but accuse and provoke me since the moment I brought you here," she spat, her voice low and venomous. "Do you think your status as Archon makes you untouchable? You're nothing but a shadow of your former self—a broken, fragile thing."

Furina's hands trembled as she weakly pushed at Arlecchino's arm, her strength no match for the Harbinger's. "You don't understand," she choked out, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't remember what you've done..."

"Then make me understand!" Arlecchino barked, her voice echoing in the room. "If you're so insistent on dragging up the past, then show me! Prove to me that your words aren't just the ravings of a bitter, pathetic woman!"

The room was filled with the sound of Furina's sobs as she curled into herself, her fragile form shaking with fear and anguish. Blood dripped slowly from the cut on her cheek, staining the pristine floor beneath her. Arlecchino's breathing was heavy, her fury simmering but not abating. For a moment, it seemed as though she might strike Furina again.

But then, something shifted in Arlecchino's gaze. She stepped back, releasing Furina from her iron grip. Her expression twisted into one of frustration—not at Furina, but at herself. She turned away, running a hand through her dark hair as she tried to compose herself.

Furina stayed on the floor, her knees pulled to her chest as she clutched her face. She didn't dare look up at Arlecchino, the fear in her heart still fresh and raw. The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by Furina's ragged breaths.

"You're useless..," Arlecchino muttered, though her voice lacked the venom it had before. "Lying there, crying, as if that will solve anything."

Furina flinched at the words but didn't respond. She felt too broken to muster any kind of reply.

Arlecchino turned to look at her again, her eyes narrowing as she took in the sight of the once-proud Archon reduced to this. "Clean yourself up," she said coldly. "And if you ever dare to accuse me of such things again, I won't be so merciful next time."

With that, she turned on her heel and strode out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her. The echo of it reverberated through the air, leaving Furina alone in the suffocating silence.

She pressed her trembling fingers to her bleeding cheek, her heart pounding as her mind replayed the events over and over. She had wanted to be brave, to confront the Harbinger with the truth of their past. But all she felt now was fear and hopelessness.

Through her tears, Furina whispered to herself, "How much longer can I endure this?"

A few minutes after Arlecchino left the room, the suffocating silence became unbearable. Furina remained on the floor, her back against the table leg, tears streaking her face as she held her cheek where Arlecchino's nails had left their mark. The stinging cut bled lightly, but the pain paled in comparison to the ache in her chest. Her mind replayed the encounter, every word Arlecchino had thrown at her like a dagger.

The door creaked open, startling her. She flinched, her entire body tensing as her tear-filled eyes darted toward the sound. Relief washed over her when she saw Lianis, their usual sharp gaze now softened with concern.

"Lady Furina?" they said gently, stepping into the room. Their eyes quickly landed on the faint trail of blood on her cheek, the redness around her eyes, and the way she clutched herself as though trying to hold herself together. "What happened?" Their voice was firm yet full of care as they knelt beside her.

Furina couldn't bring herself to answer immediately. Her lips trembled as fresh tears spilled over, and her body shook with quiet sobs. Lianis hesitated only briefly before placing a steadying hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm here now," they said softly. Their gaze lingered on the scratch on her cheek, and their jaw tightened slightly. "Let's get you cleaned up, alright? You don't have to sit here like this."

Furina gave a weak nod, allowing them to help her to her feet. She wobbled slightly, and Lianis caught her arm to steady her. They guided her toward the adjoining bathroom, where the soft glow of the light illuminated the stark contrast between her pale face and the faint streak of blood.

Lianis turned on the faucet, dampening a clean cloth. "This might sting a little," they warned, their tone gentle but practical. As they dabbed at the cut on her cheek, Furina winced but didn't pull away.

Her voice was barely above a whisper when she finally spoke. "I told her about the past... about what she did to me. She didn't care. She just—" Her words faltered, and her tears began to fall again. "Why does she hate me so much?"

Lianis frowned, their hands pausing momentarily. "She doesn't hate you," they said carefully. "The Knave... she's complicated. But that doesn't mean you deserve this." They resumed cleaning the cut, their movements slow and deliberate. "Whatever her reasons, it's not an excuse."

Once the cut was cleaned and the bleeding stopped, Lianis set the cloth aside and glanced at her. "You should change out of this gown," they suggested, noticing the wrinkled fabric and tear stains. "I'll help you pick something more comfortable."

Furina hesitated but eventually nodded. Lianis guided her back to her room, where they selected a soft, pale blue dress from her wardrobe. "This one's nice," they said, handing it to her. "It's simple and easy to move in."

After a moment of hesitation, Furina took the dress and retreated behind the changing screen. When she emerged, she looked slightly more composed, though the exhaustion and sadness in her eyes were still evident.

Lianis gave her a small, encouraging smile. "There. That's better."

Furina managed a faint smile in return, but it faded quickly. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

"Always," Lianis replied without hesitation. They glanced at the door briefly before stepping closer to her. "There's something else I need to tell you."

Furina's brow furrowed as she looked up at them. "What is it?"

Lianis hesitated for a moment, their expression serious. "The Chief Justice ," they began, their voice low, "he's closing in on the case. He's figured out you're here."

Furina's eyes widened, and she took a step back, her hand clutching her chest. "H-he knows?"

Lianis nodded. "Not everything yet, but enough. He's planning to come here soon. I overheard some of the others talking about it." They leaned in slightly, their voice dropping to a whisper. "You might have a chance to get out of here if you're ready when he does."

Furina's mind raced, the weight of their words both terrifying and hopeful. "I... I don't know what to do," she admitted, her voice trembling.

"You don't have to decide right now," Lianis said gently. "But you need to be prepared. If the chief is coming, this might be your only chance."

Furina nodded slowly, her gaze distant as she processed everything. For the first time in weeks, a small spark of hope flickered in her chest, though it was overshadowed by the fear of what might come next.

As Lianis finished speaking, the faint creak of a floorboard near the door caught their attention. Both Furina and Lianis froze, their eyes darting toward the closed door. A heavy silence hung in the air, but nothing followed the sound. Lianis glanced at Furina with concern before shaking it off.

"It's probably just one of the others passing by," Lianis reassured softly, though their gut told them otherwise. "Still, be cautious, alright?"

Furina nodded shakily, her mind still processing the information. Lianis squeezed her shoulder gently before stepping toward the door. They opened it slowly, peering into the hall, but it was empty. Satisfied, they glanced back at Furina and gave her a small nod before departing, leaving her alone in her room.

But the hall wasn't empty moments ago.

Around the corner, pressed into the shadows, Arlecchino stood silently. Her crimson eyes burned with a mix of fury and cold calculation as she replayed every word she had overheard. The talk of Neuvillette closing in. The implication that her carefully laid plans might unravel. And most of all, the sight of her subordinate—her guard—defying her authority by conspiring with Furina.

Her jaw clenched slightly, as she resisted the urge to storm back into the room. No, not yet. There were other matters to attend to first. She slipped silently through the halls, her sharp steps muffled by the thick carpets underfoot.

Arlecchino found Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet gathered in a dimly lit sitting room not far from the estate's west wing. Lyney was leaning back in a plush armchair, twirling a deck of cards idly in his hands, while Lynette sat on the armrest, her sharp eyes glancing up at their older sister as she entered. Freminet, as usual, was tinkering with a small mechanical device in his lap, though his focus shifted immediately to Arlecchino when she strode into the room.

"Father..," Lyney greeted, his tone light but curious. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

Arlecchino's piercing gaze swept over them before she spoke. "I overheard something," she said sharply. "Something concerning The Chief Justice and his... pursuit of our little guest."

The casual smirk on Lyney's face faltered slightly. Lynette's expression remained unreadable, but Freminet's hands stilled, the small device in his grip forgotten.

"Neuvillette?" Lyney repeated, tilting his head. "What about him?"

Arlecchino stepped further into the room, her presence commanding as always. "It seems our esteemed Hydro Judge has put the pieces together. He knows Farina is here, or at least suspects it. He's planning to come."

The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of her words sank in.

"And how exactly did you come by this information?" Lynette asked quietly, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Arlecchino's lips curled into a smirk that didn't reach her eyes. "Let's just say I was in the right place at the right time."

Lyney's fingers stilled on the deck of cards as he exchanged a glance with his twin. "And what do you propose we do about it?" he asked, his voice careful.

Arlecchino's gaze hardened. "We let him come."

That caught all three of them off guard. Freminet blinked in surprise, his quiet demeanor not masking the confusion on his face. Lyney's eyebrows shot up, and even Lynette's stoic mask faltered slightly.

"Let him come?" Lyney echoed. "And what happens when he does? If the chief walks into this estate and sees Furina—"

"I'll handle him," Arlecchino interrupted sharply. "But he's not a fool. If he suspects, he'll come with evidence, with guards, with justification for barging into my domain. We need to control how he gets here and what he sees."

Her voice dropped lower, colder. "You will ensure he finds only what I want him to find. Nothing more."

Lyney frowned, his usual charm absent as he considered her words. "And if he refuses to leave without her?"

"Then we'll give him a reason to reconsider," Arlecchino said simply, her tone devoid of emotion.

Freminet shifted uncomfortably, but he said nothing. Lynette's gaze lingered on her sister, searching for any sign of hesitation, but as always, Arlecchino's resolve was ironclad.

Lyney finally sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Very well. We'll play along, but don't expect miracles."

"I don't need miracles," Arlecchino said, turning on her heel. "I need results. Don't fail me."

Without waiting for a response, she strode out of the room, her mind already racing with contingencies.

———————-

Back in her own quarters, Furina sat frozen at her desk, staring at her half-finished painting. The air felt heavier, as though Arlecchino's lingering presence had tainted the room. Her cheek still stung faintly from the earlier confrontation, but the pain was nothing compared to the dread that clawed at her chest.

Unbeknownst to her, the storm brewing within the estate was about to reach  its peak. And when her older brother arrived, nothing would ever be the same again.

———-

In the quiet chambers of Fontaine's Justice Bureau, Neuvillette sat at the head of a long, polished table. The warm golden light of the late afternoon streamed through the tall windows, casting intricate shadows from the carved frames onto the room's floor. Papers, maps, and evidence files were spread haphazardly across the surface, an unusual sight for someone as meticulous as Neuvillette. Yet his usually composed demeanor was overshadowed by the heavy lines of stress etched into his face.

Across from him stood Wriothesley, leaning casually against the edge of the table with his arms crossed. Though his posture was relaxed, his icy blue eyes were sharp and focused, carefully analyzing every word Neuvillette was saying.

"I've reviewed the reports from our sources," Neuvillette began, his voice steady but laced with tension. "There's no doubt anymore—Furina is being held in that estate." He gestured to the detailed map spread before them, indicating a marked location on the outskirts of Fontaine's borders.

Wriothesley leaned forward, studying the map. "And you're certain this isn't a trap? We've had false leads before."

Neuvillette's hand tightened around the edge of the table. "This feels different. The evidence aligns too perfectly—witness accounts, movement patterns, even the lack of activity from certain Fatui members in the area. It all points to Arlecchino's involvement."

Wriothesley's brow furrowed as he scanned the markings Neuvillette had made on the map. The estate was isolated, surrounded by dense forest and only accessible via a narrow road. "It won't be easy to get in," Wriothesley remarked. "The location's defensible, and The Knave won't have left it unguarded. Even with our forces, a frontal assault would be too risky."

Neuvillette nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line. "I've considered that. We can't afford to make a mistake—not with Furina's safety at stake. But we also can't delay any longer. If we wait too long, she may be moved, or worse..." He trailed off, unable to voice the worst-case scenario.

Wriothesley moved closer to Neuvillette, his hand brushing against his husband's shoulder. "We'll get her back," he said firmly. "But we need a solid plan. Rushing in without one will only make things worse."

Neuvillette exhaled slowly, his gaze shifting to the documents in front of him. "I've been thinking of using a diversion—something to draw their attention away from our main entry point. A smaller team could infiltrate while their focus is elsewhere."

"And who's leading that smaller team?" Wriothesley asked, his tone measured but knowing.

Neuvillette met his gaze, his violet eyes resolute. "I am."

Wriothesley's jaw tightened, and he straightened up, his arms uncrossing. "Absolutely not," he said firmly. "You're not putting yourself in that kind of danger."

"It's not up for debate," Neuvillette replied, his voice calm but unwavering. "I'm the only one who knows the terrain and the layout well enough to navigate it efficiently. Furina's life is on the line, Wriothesley. I won't sit back and delegate while she's suffering."

Wriothesley stepped closer, his broad frame towering over Neuvillette as he placed both hands on the table, leaning in. "And what happens if you get hurt? Or worse? Do you think Furina would want to be rescued only to find out you didn't make it back? What about me, Neuvillette? How do you think Sigwinne is gonna react? Do you think I could bear losing you?"

Neuvillette's composure faltered for a moment, the weight of Wriothesley's words settling heavily in his chest. He looked away, his gaze falling to the map. "I understand your concerns," he said quietly. "But this is something I have to do."

Wriothesley sighed, running a hand through his hair. He knew how stubborn Neuvillette could be when his mind was made up, but that didn't mean he would stop fighting to protect him.

"Fine," Wriothesley said after a long pause, his tone grudging. "But I'm going with you. If you're putting yourself in danger, you're not doing it alone."

Neuvillette looked up at him, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Wriothesley smirked faintly, though the worry in his gaze didn't fade. "Good. Now, let's figure out how to make this plan work without getting ourselves killed."

They spent the next hour refining their strategy, going over every detail meticulously. Wriothesley suggested using Sigewinne's knowledge of the Fatui's medical supplies to create a distraction—something subtle yet effective enough to draw attention away from their entry point. Neuvillette proposed coordinating with trusted guards to set up a perimeter, ensuring that no one escaped during the operation.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the room, the tension between them eased slightly. Despite the gravity of the situation, there was comfort in working together, in knowing they had each other's backs.

Wriothesley placed a kiss on Neuvillette's neck as they reviewed the final draft of their plan. "We'll bring her home," he said, his voice steady and reassuring.

Neuvillette nodded, his resolve stronger than ever. "We will. No matter what it takes." Wriothesley smiled, and chuckled as he held his lover's waist. "I love you Neuvi..to the depths of the sea and back.." Neuvilette grinned at the statement as he rested his black-gloved hands on his husband's peach-scared-wrapped hands. "I love you too Wrio.. to the depths of the sea and back.."

——————
Another late post!!! Sorry it's like 1 am and my sister is barking like a dog (sos!) but yaya another chapter and ty for over 600 reads and 1.11k reads on apologies miss furina ! It means sm! Also might do a collaboration with a friend! But this chapter also features LianisTired once again!! They are my favorite person and hopefully have more ppl in the story as well and pls pls if you enjoyed this pls share with others<3! It would mean the world to me<3!! Gn my little lake Lillie's<3!!

-Lady Furina De Fontaine~