Aleric enters the dimly lit guest room, where Evelina stirs from her sleep, her eyes flickering open to the sight of Aleric clad in all black. Confusion etches her features as she questions his attire, "Where are you off to dressed like that?"
Aleric's gaze softens as he approaches her bedside, his hand reaching out to gently caress her cheek. "I'll be back later tonight, Evelina," he reassures her, his voice carrying a hint of determination. "There are some matters I need to attend to."
Evelina's brows furrow with concern, but she nods silently, trusting Aleric's judgment. As he turns to leave, she calls out softly, "Be careful out there," her voice filled with genuine worry.
With a nod of acknowledgment, Aleric exits the room, the weight of his mission heavy on his shoulders. He moves swiftly through the corridors, the darkness of the night enveloping him like a cloak as he slips out into the cool night air.
Outside, Aleric blends into the shadows, his figure shrouded by the darkness as he makes his way towards the east. The faint glow of the moonlight casts eerie shadows across his path, guiding him towards his destination—the mansion of his target.
As he approaches the outskirts of the forest surrounding the mansion, Aleric's keen eyes spot the telltale signs of activity within. The distant sound of music and laughter drifts through the air, mingling with the soft rustle of leaves in the night breeze.
Guards patrol the perimeter of the mansion, their presence a stark reminder of the challenge that lies ahead. Aleric's jaw clenches with determination as he surveys the scene before him, silently assessing his options and formulating a plan of action.
Aleric observes the mansion from the cover of the surrounding forest, his mind racing with possibilities as he formulates a plan of action. He knows that stealth will be his greatest ally in this mission, and he resolves to move with the precision of a shadow, avoiding detection at all costs.
Silently, Aleric slips through the darkness, his movements swift and deliberate as he navigates past the guards patrolling the perimeter. Using his skills in the arcane arts, he dispatches a few guards with precision strikes, ensuring that their demise goes unnoticed amidst the festivities within the mansion.
With each step, Aleric draws closer to his target—the elusive Lord Harring. His heart pounds with anticipation as he approaches the grand entrance of the mansion, his senses heightened as he listens for any sign of activity.
Cautiously, Aleric enters the mansion, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpeting that lines the halls. He moves with the grace of a cat, slipping past revelers and guests without so much as a whisper of his presence.
As he reaches the upper levels of the mansion, Aleric's sharp eyes catch a flicker of movement—a servant making her rounds. With a quick and silent incantation, Aleric ensnares her in a temporary slumber, ensuring that she poses no threat to his mission.
Continuing down the hallway, Aleric finally reaches the door to Lord Harring's bedroom. His pulse quickens as he approaches, his hand hovering over the doorknob. With a steady breath, he pushes the door open, revealing the opulent chamber beyond.
To his surprise, the room appears empty at first glance. But then, Aleric's keen ears catch the sound of laughter emanating from the en-suite bathroom—a soft, melodic sound that sends a shiver down his spine.
Without hesitation, Aleric moves towards the bathroom, his senses on high alert. He knows that his target must be nearby, and he resolves to confront Lord Harring and complete his mission, no matter the cost.
Authors Note:
I release consecutive chapters because I write when inspired. To maintain my inspiration, I often sketch vague chapter ideas in my mind. During my lunch breaks, I sometimes write to pass the time, utilizing my free moments to outline and publish these ideas. This allows me to ponder and develop more detailed plots when I return to work.
If you're like me, enjoying speculation and unraveling mysteries, you might appreciate my writing style. Even during the early stages of a movie, I can often predict various plot twists or outcomes, much to the chagrin of my girlfriend. In my chapters, I leave clues and hints for observant readers to speculate about characters' identities and motivations. While I won't reveal everything, I'll give you a clue: the identity behind the gold mask has not been explicitly disclosed in the novel yet, but it will be revealed in a manner that may surprise you.