"Whoa! I missed this place… I've already told Bella to come here after meeting the three commanders"... While others were admiring the interior of the Renaissance architectural style mansion, Lexus stated... The interior features an inspired recreation of classical patterns. Interior walls are nicely plastered and lime washed. Internal surfaces are adorned with frescoes for more formal spaces. Circular coffers were abundant, their edges beautifully carved and each coffer's field adorned with a rosette. The utilization of classical orders, mathematically accurate height and breadth ratios, symmetry, balance, and harmony are all fundamental aspects of Renaissance architecture, and this mansion exemplifies all of them. A beautiful example of Classical Renaissance art, created by Leo's mother, Uriya Dominus, a descendant of the renowned architect in Leht history, Uromi Dominus.
"My father's favorite place, "Nido d'Amore". He cherished this mansion since the architect who designed it was my mother. This was her wedding anniversary present to my father". Leo's words shuttered, winced
"Nido d'Amore, the nest of love"… Neila raised her eyes to the enormous family portrait of Leo that hung above the stairway.
"You arrived, Prince... I was expecting you... As you requested, I have arranged the rooms and dinner". An elderly woman dressed as a maid greeted them.
"Marianna, I'm sorry, everything occurred so quickly... Show her a room, please"... Leo stated
"Yes, Prince"... She led Neila upstairs to a room.
"Are you living alone here?" While approaching the room, she asked Marianna.
"No, we have several maids who used to work for the royal family, and Prince's sister Princess Liliana is here"... she said with a pleasant grin.
"You easily understand that I am a Yfel, don't you?... I assumed you'd be more afraid of me"... Neila kept a poker face.
"This is your room Princess Neila Demion"… Marianna walked inside a lovely, spacious room. She smiled at Neila once more... "You are a spitting picture of your mother, even if you have your father's eyes," she added.
Neila was too stunned to speak… She stood still as Marianna exited the room.
"Are you becoming mushy now? Neila, don't be distracted! I know it's enticing... But keep your attention on the road we agreed upon"... Jarse appeared and sat comfortably on a Diwan sofa.
"I'm not... and I remember our deal... I need a wash since my skin is so sticky from the hound's blood"... She entered the bathroom, which was rather large. She closed her eyes as she lay soaking in the bathtub, recalling her past.
[Neila's POV]
"Papa?… Mama?… where are you?.... Papa?... Mama?... I'm scared"…
What can a five-year-old do? The only thing that sprang to mind was finding my mother and father. I remember racing through chaos, decked in scarlet blood... It splashed everywhere, on the path, like a pond... It smeared the entire wall... People I knew, people who cherished me, people who smiled at me with a loving heart, fell to the ground like autumn leaves. My weeping did not cease... My legs did not fatigue, but the scene they took me to was brutal and callous. The demure girl everyone knew perished that day, along with her Papa and Mama. That day, the world succumbed to a despot and was crushed beneath his feet. I could feel my heart becoming frozen and ready to shatter. I took nothing from the home where I used to live, which became my parents' graveyard. But something came along with me that day… it was enmity… towards the man I called uncle, the man who ruthlessly massacred his family and friends for his selfishness.
Sophia, my mother's maid, was very kind to me. She worked on a large farm owned by humans... they were not fond of her. They treated us horribly. But she never gave up, and she taught me everything my parents would have wanted me to know. As time passed, I began to smile, but the malice within me burned as brightly as that day. Perhaps it was time who noticed my heart had loosened up, it decided to injure me again.
"Sophia?... Sophia?... What happened?... Sophia?... Answer me"…
The day I turned 15, I noticed another puddle of blood inside the wooden hut where Sophia and I used to stay. Sophia lay on the floor unconscious and nude, bleeding between her legs. That terrifying sight reminded me of a familiar odor I wanted to forget but couldn't. Something in me was triggered by that. I yelled like a maniac, letting my emotions consume me. The animosity I brought with me from ten years ago ate me alive. I was guzzled by darkness… There I encountered a caged life... A life just like mine... A life consumed by the same enmity as mine... I recognized it was a strong hand capable of supporting me at a glance.….
[End of POV]
"Neila… Neila"…. She awakened to the sound of Jarse calling her name.
"What is it?" .. She emerged from the tub completely naked, drying herself with a fluffy towel.
"I guess it's dinner time, a maid called... come out"... From the other side of the door, he shouted
"Yes, I'll be there"... She replied while looking in the mirror. Her left shoulder was scarred. She softly stroked it.
"I'm not going to be weak again... I'm going to murder him... Shred him into bits"... her scarlet eyes eloquent her emotions. It flashed brilliantly and fiercely, like a blood-soaked blade.
She then stepped outside and joined the others.
"Neila, what is the other way you mentioned?"... Leo inquired. In a large hall, everyone sat around a rectangular antique dining table. They were being served by maids.
Neila lifted her head and cast a peek at Leo... "It's going to be a bit dangerous... but I'm positive it will work"... She smirked.
...…..
"I noticed the mark on his hand, my King. I am confident that they performed Odola Sopimus... They are now allies"... Fumi informed Agriola.
"Odola Sopimus… HAHAHA... foolishness... Like their parents... Idiots"… "Did you look for the other thing I inquired about?" ... Agriola's gaze was drawn to Fumi.
"Yes, My King, I'm looking for it... But the Lehts are particularly skilled at concealing among humans... Please, my lord, be patient... I will absolutely locate him for you"... Fumi responded by bowing his head to the ground.
Suddenly, he began levitating in the air… He appeared to be choked by his clothing. They began to wrap tightly to his skin. Agriola's expression was distressed. But it was Satanus who smothered Fumi by enveloping him in his mystic power.
"How dare you demand patience from him? ... You... mere slave... You dare to defy your rulers... I shall end your life and burn you in my wrath"… Enraged, that malevolent voice roared.
Fumi remained tranquil and calm… "This slave committed a mistake, Great Ruler of Umbra, please have pity on me"... He pleaded while lauding him
"Let him go, Satanus... We need him to achieve our aim... Fumi… Find it... faster"... Agriola strode out of the hall, and Satanus' presence vanished.
Fumi coughed as he dropped from the levitation... He gasped and tightened his fist... "Where the fuck are you, Jeremy? You can't hide from me..." he shouted, slamming his fist on the floor.