The waitress returned, setting a bowl of stew and a hunk of bread down in front of him. "Here you go, love," she said with a smile. "Enjoy."
"Thank you," Alexander murmured, giving her a brief nod. He picked up his spoon and tasted the stew, finding the flavor strange and unfamiliar. The food in this world was different from what he was used to—earthier, with a heavy reliance on stewing and strange spices. Still, it was warm and filling, and he was grateful for it.
As he ate, Alexander continued to think about what he had overheard. The Nox family sounded like trouble, and the more he learned, the more he felt that his mission might be more complicated than he had initially thought.
He decided then and there that he would deliver the package and letter as quickly as possible and leave. Whatever the Nox family was involved in, he didn't want to get caught up in their affairs.
After finishing his meal, Alexander left the restaurant and made his way through the bustling streets of Blackstone City. He followed the directions he had been given, weaving through the maze of streets until he reached the center of the city. There, rising above the surrounding buildings, was the manor of the Nox family—a sprawling estate surrounded by high stone walls and iron gates. The manor itself was grand and imposing, with tall, narrow windows and a roof of dark slate.
A guard stood by the gate, dressed in a dark uniform and carrying a spear. His expression was stern as he watched Alexander approach.
"State your business," the guard demanded, his voice curt.
"I'm here to deliver something," Alexander replied, holding up the visiting card he had prepared. "I have a letter and a package for Liliana Nox."
The guard took the card and scrutinized it for a moment before nodding. "Wait here," he said, then turned and disappeared through a smaller door set into the gate.
Alexander waited, glancing around at the imposing estate. The manor was even more impressive up close, its stone façade covered in creeping ivy that added to its air of mystery and age. The gardens beyond the walls were meticulously kept, with neatly trimmed hedges and carefully arranged flowerbeds.
After a few minutes, the guard returned, accompanied by an older man in a finely tailored suit. The man had a thin, angular face and sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to take in everything at once. He gave Alexander a polite smile and gestured for him to follow.
"Welcome to the Nox estate," the man said in a smooth, cultured voice. "I am Edmund, the butler. Mistress Liliana has been expecting this delivery. Please, come with me."
Alexander followed Edmund through the gates and into the grounds of the manor. The path was lined with marble statues and ornate fountains, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers.
They entered the manor through a set of grand double doors, stepping into a spacious foyer with a high ceiling and a large chandelier hanging overhead. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of battles and hunts, and the floor was covered in a richly woven carpet that muffled their footsteps.
As they walked, Edmund glanced over at Alexander, his expression one of polite curiosity. "I must say, it's not often we receive deliveries from strangers," he remarked. "May I ask how you came to be entrusted with this task?"
Alexander hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to reveal. "I was given the package and letter in Grimsby," he said carefully. "I was told to deliver them to Liliana Nox and no one else."
Edmund nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I see. Well, Mistress Liliana will be pleased to receive them, I'm sure."
They continued down a long corridor, passing several closed doors and crossing a wide marble staircase that spiraled up to the upper floors. The manor was vast, its halls echoing with a silence that felt almost oppressive.
Finally, they reached a set of ornate double doors, and Edmund paused, turning to Alexander with a respectful bow. "Please wait here for a moment," he said. "I will announce your presence to Mistress Liliana."
Alexander nodded, watching as Edmund disappeared through the doors. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. The manor was steeped in an aura of power and mystery, and there was something about this place that put him on edge.
After what felt like an eternity, the doors opened again, and Edmund reappeared, beckoning Alexander to follow. "Mistress Liliana will see you now," he said, leading him into the room beyond.
The room was a grand salon, richly decorated with dark wood paneling and plush velvet drapes. A large, ornate fireplace dominated one wall, and several high-backed chairs were arranged around a low table in the center of the room. The air was filled with the faint scent of incense, and the soft glow of candles cast flickering shadows across the walls.
Seated in one of the chairs, was Liliana Nox. She was every bit as beautiful as the rumors had suggested—her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall of moonlight, and her amber eyes shone with an otherworldly light. Her amber eyes, framed by long, dark lashes, were captivating, filled with a depth and intensity that seemed to pierce right through him.
Liliana's face was perfectly symmetrical, her skin smooth and flawless, with high cheekbones that gave her an elegant, almost regal appearance. Her lips were full and perfectly shaped, painted a deep crimson that contrasted with her pale complexion, making them stand out all the more. Her nose was delicately formed, complementing the rest of her features, and when she smiled, it was with a slow, knowing curve that hinted at both warmth and danger.
Alexander felt his breath catch in his throat as he looked at her, a strange heat spreading through his body. He had heard tales of Liliana's beauty, but nothing had prepared him for the reality of it. She exuded a sensual allure that was almost magnetic, drawing him in despite his better judgment.
"Welcome, Alexander," Liliana said, her voice smooth and melodic, with a slight accent that made her words sound like a caress. "I have been expecting you."
Alexander blinked, his mind struggling to focus. "Y-you have?" he stammered, feeling uncharacteristically flustered.
Liliana's lips curved into a faint smile, her gaze never leaving his.
Alexander fumbled with the strap of his satchel and pulled out the package and letter, holding them out for her to see. "I was asked to deliver these to you, Mistress Liliana."
Edmund stepped forward to take the items, but Liliana raised a hand, stopping him. "Thank you, Edmund," she said softly. "I will take them myself."
Edmund bowed and stepped back, allowing Liliana to rise from her chair and approach Alexander. She moved with a grace that was almost feline, she wore a form-fitting gown of deep green velvet that clung to her curves.
The gown dipped low at the front, revealing the gentle swell of her round breasts, and the fabric hugged her hips and thighs, highlighting her hourglass shape. Despite being 28 years old, she exuded a youthful vitality, her every movement filled with a sensual grace that was impossible to ignore.
She reached out and took the package and letter from Alexander, her fingers brushing against his as she did. Her touch was cool and soft, sending a shiver through Alexander's body.
There was something about her—something intoxicating and dangerous—that made it difficult to think clearly. He could smell a faint perfume that she wore, a mix of lavender and something sweet and musky. He swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure.
Liliana examined the package and letter for a moment, then set them aside on the table. "Thank you for bringing these to me," she said, her voice low and sultry. "I would like to offer you a reward for your trouble."
She gestured to Edmund, who nodded and stepped forward. "Please accompany me, sir."
Alexander nodded, eager to leave the room and put some distance between himself and Liliana. He followed Edmund out of the salon, casting one last glance over his shoulder at Liliana as he went. She was watching him with an enigmatic smile, her amber eyes gleaming in the candlelight.
As they walked down the corridor, Edmund glanced at Alexander with a knowing smile. "Mistress Liliana," he said. "She is quite… enchanting, wouldn't you agree?"
Alexander cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Yes, she is," he admitted. "But I'm not here for enchantment. I just want to complete my task and be on my way."
Edmund chuckled softly. "Of course, sir. I understand completely."
They reached a small office near the entrance of the manor, and Edmund opened a drawer in a large oak desk, pulling out a small pouch of coins. "Here is your reward," he said, handing the pouch to Alexander. "One thousand and five hundred dollars, as promised."
Alexander took the pouch, weighing it in his hand. It was a generous sum, more than he had expected. "Thank you," he said, slipping the pouch into his satchel. "I appreciate it."