The aging wooden door creaked open, revealing a quaint room bathed in the gentle glow of flickering candlelight. Gabriel, with a courteous gesture, invited Thorne and Aria inside. The room, adorned with fine artsy decorations and ancient artifacts, exuded an air of history and warmth.
"Here is where you can rest during your stay in Blackwood," Gabriel offered with a congenial smile, gesturing toward the comfortable beds adorned with embroidered linens. "I hope you find it to your liking."
Aria, her gratitude evident in her eyes, nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Gabriel. Your hospitality is truly generous."
Thorne normally has a lot to say, but he was so tired from their journey to attempt being his normal charming self(he decided to leave the "charming" to Aria), he conveyed his thanks with a nod and a faint but appreciative smile.
Gabriel, ever the gracious host, replied, "It's my pleasure. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. I'll be back at my shop for a while, but my mother and the maid will be here to assist you."
As Gabriel presented his guests to his mother, Fantine, a gracious woman in her late 70s with gentle fading blue eyes and a crown of silver fox hair, her welcoming smile lit up the room. Beside her stood a young maid in her 20s, her brown eyes reflecting warmth, rosy cheeks radiating vitality, and a petite stature imbuing her with a charming presence. The atmosphere brimmed with a sense of camaraderie. The Fantine, her eyes glinting with wisdom accrued over the ages, extended a warm welcome. "It's a pleasure to have you in our home. If there's anything you require, my dear, just ask and Ursula will help you get it."
Aria, sensing the enchanting aura of the sorceress, expressed her gratitude. "Thank you for having us. Your home is truly charming."
Thorne, though reserved, inclined his head in acknowledgment.
Before setting out for his shop, Gabriel leaned in close to his mother, telling her, "I am very certain Aria is a werewolf; I caught her scent, and the man accompanying her is most likely a sorcerer, the rune on his left wrist gave him away." His mother's expression shifted to one of surprise after gaining this information, but she maintained a cheerful demeanor.
His mother, wearing a knowing smile, added, "Quite an unusual pair, I must say. Fear not, my son; we'll manage just fine. Attend to your affairs. Our guests are in good hands."
With a reassuring nod, Gabriel left the room, leaving Aria, Thorne, and the enchanting presence of the old sorceress to exchange pleasantries and settle into the embrace of Gabriel's hospitality.
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets of Blackwood. As Gabriel Moreau approached his quaint shop, he halted in his tracks, captivated by the sight that awaited him. Isabella stood by the entrance, a vision in a flowing red dress that complemented the golden hues of her intricately braided hair. A soft breeze teased the edges of her dress, adding an ethereal quality to her presence.
Gabriel took a moment to admire her from a distance, his eyes lingering on the delicate details of her appearance. His tongue grazed his lips instinctively as he muttered to himself, "what an ageless beauty."
With a composed demeanor, he finally made his way to his shop, his heart still echoing the refrain of her beauty. Inside, the young boy assisting him scurried about attending to customers. Gabriel, however, had his sights set on Isabella.
"Louis," he called to the boy, "tend to the other customers. I will take care of Madame Isabella personally." The subtle nod from Louis indicated understanding, though a seed of suspicion sprouted in the young assistant's mind.
Turning his attention to Isabella, Gabriel flashed a charming smile. "Good day, Madame Isabella." This is what he calls her whenever they are in a public setting. "What a pleasure it is to see you today. Shall we peruse the wares
together?"
As they strolled through the aisles, Isabella gathered the items she needed, and the air hummed with their easy conversation. Gabriel, ever the gentleman, insisted on helping her carry the bags. The weight of her purchases became inconsequential in the wake of his attentive company.
Meanwhile, Louis observed the scene unfolding through narrowed eyes. This wasn't the first time Isabella received special attention. A flicker of suspicion crossed his features as he wondered about the connection between his boss and this enchanting lady. Gabriel's parting words to him, "Take care of things. I'll be back soon," only fueled the young assistant's growing sense of curiosity and unease.
As Isabella and Gabriel disappeared around a bend in the market square, the boy couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this association than met the eye. The enigma surrounding Isabella and Gabriel's actions lingered in the air, leaving the assistant with a gnawing uncertainty that whispered of hidden complexities yet to be unveiled.
The secret haven at the outskirts of Blackwood Town cradled Isabella and Gabriel in a cocoon of hushed laughter and stolen moments. The air, heavy with the fragrance of wildflowers, enveloped them as they embraced the clandestine sanctuary they frequented. Today, the sun-dappled afternoon seemed to conspire with their joy, and Isabella couldn't help but be all giggles.
They arrived at the secret place, hidden from prying eyes, right after Gabriel handed his shop to his assistant to manage till he came back. No sooner had they stepped into the secluded cabin than the outside world faded away. The kisses, as if fueled by the weeks of unspoken longing, ignited a spark that crackled between them. Words unsaid found refuge in the tender exchange of shared breaths.
Their rendezvous, a clandestine dance, unfolded with an intensity born of both desire and a conscious avoidance of a certain name—Viktor. They intertwined like vines, each touch, each kiss, each thrust a secret shared, a silent pact to revel in the stolen moments without the weight of their reality intruding.
Gabriel's gaze lingered on Isabella, and after a moment of hesitation, he ventured, "Isabella, tell me about Ethan. It's been so long, and I can't help but wonder about my son."
Isabella's response was laced with excitement. "Oh, you know Ethan. He does the same old things he does. He still plays and hunts with his bow and arrow, and helps me in the kitchen whenever he can. He can even out-cook anyone in the house, except me, of course" She chuckled, the lines of affection etched into her expression.
Gabriel, though, sensed a subtlety in Isabella's tone, a guardedness that betrayed more than her words revealed. "Anything new?" he pressed, a hint of concern in his eyes.
Isabella's smile faltered for a moment before returning. "Nothing much to talk about. Though his nightmares have returned again. Oh I almost forgot, his birthday is in three days, he will be turning sixteen. Time sure flies "
Gabriel's demeanor shifted, a subtle anxiety creasing his forehead. He turned to Isabella with a gravity that belied the casualness of the conversation. "There's something I need to tell you, Isabella. It's very important."