Lito turned around to check on Sebastian, who was sitting inside the carriage. "Are you alright, my lord?" he asked with concern, opening the small window at the front of the carriage to get a better look at him.
"Don't worry, just focus on getting us safely home," Sebastian reassured as he turned his gaze towards the window to his right. "Who would even dare to attack us with you in the carriage?" Lito quipped with a smirk, turning around to close the small window behind him.
Sebastian's gaze remained fixed on the outside as he responded, "I heard that." Meanwhile, Lito continued to guide the horses towards Ravenwood.
The journey to Ravenwoods Entrance had taken longer than expected, the sun sinking low in the sky as the travelers finally arrived. The town was already quiet and peaceful, the villagers settling in for the night.
They made their way through the cobblestone streets towards the grand mansion that sat at the top of the village. As they passed by small shops and homes, they could hear faint music and laughter coming from the main square, where the final festivities of the day were still underway. Even Sebastian, with his cold exterior, couldn't deny the warm feeling of pride that swelled in his chest as he saw his people happy and content under his rule.
The path to his mansion was lined with tall trees, their branches stretching out to create a canopy above them. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of pine and wood smoke. It was a peaceful scene, one that made Sebastian grateful for this place he called home.
"We're here," Lito announced, bringing the carriage to a stop and stepping out to open the door for Sebastian. As he walked out of the carriage and approached the front door, all of his employees were already waiting for him outside. The maids stood in a neat line, with the head maids positioned in front. As soon as Sebastian's feet touched the ground, they all bowed their heads in unison and welcomed him home. "How may we be of service, my lord?" they spoke in perfect synchronization.
Sebastian's cold voice sent chills down the spines of everyone around him as he commanded, "You all go and rest." Despite his harsh tone, his employees were used to his demeanor and followed his orders. They all went inside once Sebastian had entered his house.
"As cold as ever," Lito stated, joining them inside.
With a heavy sigh, Sebastian nodded as he stepped through the doorway, brushing past Lito and entering the dimly lit hallways of his mansion. The scent of wood smoke mixed with old books and freshly polished floors filled his senses; it was a familiar scent that always reminded him of home. Every corner echoed with the distant voices of servants going about their duties, dusting ornate vases or arranging flowers in arrangements that would never wither. The sound of boots clanking on stone floors and doors opening and closing resonated softly as they went about their daily routines.
Lito followed closely behind, careful not to disturb his master's thoughts as he guided him towards his private quarters - the largest room in the mansion. Their footsteps echoed along marble floors, buttercream walls, antique tapestries hanging on the walls, gold-plated chandeliers glowing warmly above them. They passed by hallways lined with secret passages leading to hidden chambers where centuries-old secrets were kept safe. Sebastian's personal collection of art from across the world adorned these halls; each piece had its own story to tell if one knew where to look.
As they reached the end of the hallway, Lito pushed open heavy wooden double doors leading into an opulent bedroom fit for a king - or rather, a Duke who despised luxury yet appreciated it when needed most.
Rich velvet curtains draped over four-poster beds hung at strategic areas for privacy from prying eyes; fine silk sheets lay spread across a massive canopy bed ready to be slept upon by Sebastian tonight. Ornately carved golden candlesticks held real flames that danced merrily, casting flickering shadows on the walls plastered in intricate frescoes depicting scenes from ancient myths and legends known only to those initiated into Arcane Hierarchy's teachings. The soft glow from these candles added warmth to an otherwise austere atmosphere dominated by mahogany furniture polished till it gleamed under moonlight filtering through stained glass panes above it.
Lito glanced around, taking note of everything in silence before finally speaking up: "My lord... today was eventful." His voice held no condemnation nor judgment; instead, it held a hint of curiosity mixed with concern. "Is there anything you wish to discuss before retiring?" He asked respectfully while waiting near the wardrobe where he could easily reach any attire needed for tomorrow's duties if needed.
"No need for that; you can go and rest," Sebastian said as he grabbed his blanket and lay down in bed. "As you wish, my lord. Sleep well," Lito replied before making his way outside and closing the door behind him.
- Several hours passed, late into the night. -
"Damn it, I can't fall asleep. That woman is still on my mind; why can't I shake her from my thoughts?" Sebastian exclaimed as he got up and sat on his bed.
Sebastian's brow furrowed in frustration as he stood up from his bed, pacing in tight circles like a caged animal. "I can't understand why her own stepbrother would treat her like a mere tool," he muttered to himself. The thought of Eliana being used and abused by her own family made his blood boil.
As he continued to pace, Sebastian couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that he should go check on her. But he knew deep down that it could only bring more problems than good right now. She was human, vulnerable and defenseless in this house full of powerful beings. Without proper protection, she would never survive.
There was only one way to keep her safe - but it came with great risk. And Sebastian knew that he had to be willing to face those risks if he wanted to protect her.
As the moon rose high in the sky, Sebastian's weary body collapsed onto his bed. His eyelids drooped with exhaustion, but his mind raced with restless thoughts. With a flick of his hand and a few whispered words, he conjured a powerful spell to lull himself into slumber. The magic swirled around him, cocooning him in a warm embrace as he finally succumbed to sleep. In that moment, all worries and troubles faded away, allowing him to drift into sweet oblivion.
Lito sat in the shadows atop the mansion's highest tower, keeping a watchful eye as he always did. "He finally fell asleep," Lito remarked to himself, relieved that his master had finally found some peace. It had taken longer than expected for him to calm down about this woman, and Lito couldn't help but find it intriguing. He looked up at the night sky, wondering what other surprises were in store for them.