"My lord." A woman said as she walked forward, her footsteps muffled by the thick carpeting of the grand hall. She gracefully sank to one knee before Sebastian, the master of this opulent estate. "What is it, Isolde?" He asked, his piercing gaze falling upon the woman in front of him. "Who is this woman, and why is she staying here? If I'm correct, she is mortal. She should not be here." Isolde spoke with a firm voice, her hands clasped together in front of her.
"She is my guest, and there is nothing more to discuss." Sebastian replied commandingly, his regal demeanor leaving no room for argument. Isolde could understand her master's decision to allow a human into his home, but she also knew the danger it could bring.
"But my lord, how can this be pos..." Before Isolde could finish her sentence, a dark aura began to engulf Sebastian. It was a demonic energy that seemed to radiate from within him, causing the air in the room to grow heavy and oppressive. "Did I stutter, Isolde?" Sebastian's voice trembled with an ominous power as he stood up from his throne-like chair.
"No, my lord. I understand. I will follow your orders." Isolde quickly backed away in fear, knowing better than to challenge her master when he was in such a state. The atmosphere in the grand hall had shifted drastically, now charged with an unsettling tension that made it clear who held all the power within these walls.
Feeling a surge of anger and protectiveness, Sebastian quickly left the room. He couldn't understand his strong reaction to Isolda's comments about Eliana, but he knew it was best to remove himself from the situation before he did something he might regret.
Sebastian stormed back into his private chambers, slamming the heavy wooden door behind him. He strode purposefully across the soft carpet, almost stomping as he moved through the room. He could still feel the energy around him, like a storm that threatened to break loose at any moment. His mind whirled with thoughts and emotions he couldn't quite understand or control.
Sebastian's hands clenched into fists at his side, and he started to pace restlessly around the room. He could feel the power coursing through his veins, the raw power of a demon god. His silver eyes flashed in the candlelight, and his red hair flowed behind him like a banner of rage. He stopped by the window, looking out into the moonlit garden below. Even in the darkness, he could see the roses blooming, their delicate petals glowing softly in the silver light.
He let out a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. This was not like him, this rash behavior. Sebastian was usually cool and collected, always in control of his emotions. But Eliana had managed to break through that facade, and now he felt like a madman.
Finally, he sat down on the bed, but then began to circle it, his long legs carrying him in endless circles. He needed to think, to find a way to protect her without compromising his position within the Celestial Council. He couldn't let anyone else know about her - it would mean the end of his carefully crafted isolation. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that perhaps it was time to reassess his priorities.
The maids were quick to react, sensing their master's mood. They entered the room silently, their steps light on the floorboards. They bowed their heads respectfully as they approached him, clearing their throats softly. "We will see to the guests' accommodations, my lord." One of them spoke softly, her voice like whispers in the air.
Sebastian nodded, his jaw set in determination. "See to it that they are comfortable. Inform them that their stay here is only temporary."
The maids bowed again before retreating from the room, closing the door behind them. Sebastian continued to circle the bed, his mind racing with possibilities. He had to find a way to protect Eliana without revealing her true human nature to the Council. But how?
As he paced, he caught a whiff of the sweet scent of the rose garden outside his window. It reminded him of cool summer evenings and the raw power that coursed through his veins. He sighed deeply, trying to focus on the task at hand. His thoughts returned to Eliana again, and he found himself smiling slightly despite everything. There was something about her that drew him in, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.
Finally, he climbed into the luxurious bed and lay down, staring up at the ceiling.
- Meanwhile in Willowbrook. -
"Mother, what will become of Eliana now?" Elise's voice echoed through the dining room as she sat at the table with her family.
Silence hung heavy in the air as Victoria, their matriarch, considered her daughter's question. The events of the morning had left their family in turmoil.
"I have a plan," Victoria finally spoke, a dark smile tugging at her lips. "I will propose a marriage between Eliana and the Duke. It will bring our families together and he will have to pay us for her hand." She chuckled at her own cleverness.
"Yes, it's a perfect solution. We rid ourselves of Eliana and gain profit from it. It's like selling a prized possession," Victoria's eyes gleamed as she continued to eat her meal.
"But Dear, are you sure this is wise? We are dealing with the Duke of Ravenwood," Marcus, Eliana's father, interjected, concern etched on his face.
"Do not worry, my dear husband. I have everything under control," Victoria reassured him as she detailed her plan for the upcoming party. The family nodded in agreement, their laughter resuming as they savored their devious scheme.
- Meanwhile back in Ravenwood. -
Eliana's breath caught in her throat as she stepped into the luxurious guest room. The silk curtains billowed softly in the breeze from the open window, and the plush velvet bed looked almost too inviting to resist. She marveled at the space, feeling like she could fit a lion on the bed with her.
Her heart swelled with happiness, but even in this moment of pure joy, there was a lingering disbelief. Why would the Duke be so kind to her? Did he have ulterior motives for bringing her here? She couldn't help but worry, as no one had ever shown her such kindness before.
As she walked to the window and gazed outside, her long silver hair danced in the wind. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air and freedom that she had been deprived of for so long. "Even if this is only temporary, I must cherish this moment," she thought with a bright smile on her face. Her gaze turned upwards to the sky, admiring the beauty of the evening in Ravenwood. For now, she was free from the torture she endured in her previous home.