The void creature stood silently outside the main house of the Fairbourne family, known throughout the land as Fairbourne Manor. It was a grand estate, the epitome of wealth and nobility, nestled amidst sprawling, meticulously maintained grounds. Rolling hills stretched endlessly beyond the eye's reach, dotted with ancient oak trees that had stood sentinel for centuries, their gnarled branches swaying in the faint breeze. Manicured gardens bloomed with vibrant flowers, their fragrances perfuming the air, while the property itself was enclosed by a towering stone wall, weathered yet still formidable. A wrought-iron gate, as imposing as it was ornate, marked the entrance, leading into a long, tree-lined driveway that seemed to stretch into eternity before finally arriving at the manor.
The manor itself was a breathtaking gothic masterpiece, its architecture exuding a dark, imposing elegance. Tall spires reached skyward, piercing the horizon, while arched windows framed by intricate stonework stared out like watchful eyes. Ivy clung to the ancient stone walls, its dark green vines creeping up toward the highest towers, as though trying to reclaim the grandeur for nature. The setting sun cast long shadows across the estate, its last light glinting off the stained glass windows, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that spilled onto the cobblestone path below.
At every entrance, groups of five guards stood at attention, their postures rigid, their eyes sharp. Each one wore armor of forest green and silver, reflecting the Fairbourne family colors. The metal was polished to a high shine, catching the fading light, while the sigil of the Fairbourne family—a majestic silver stag with antlers adorned in intricate gold detailing—was etched into the hilt of their swords. The guards stood firm, though beneath their stoic exteriors, tension ran high.
Most would consider a tactical approach to infiltrating such a well-guarded estate. The defenses were not to be taken lightly—layered, prepared, fortified. But for the void creature lurking beyond the gate, such considerations were unnecessary. Overwhelming power made tactics irrelevant. The creature knew it, and soon, so would they.
Two guards stationed near the entrance exchanged quiet words, their voices barely breaking the silence of the evening. One, a younger man, nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the other. His hand repeatedly flexed around the grip of his sword, betraying his unease.
"Master Aiden is having his coming-of-age ceremony today," the young guard said, his voice tinged with a nervous excitement. His eyes darted toward the manor, as if searching for reassurance. "So many big shots from different families are here… even guarding this place is nerve-wracking."
His companion, an older knight who had seen many battles and many noble events, chuckled softly, though there was a hard edge of experience in his tone. "Don't be worried, newbie," he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. His gaze, steady and unshaken, swept across the grounds, taking in the surroundings with the calm calculation of someone used to assessing danger. "Some of the greatest knights in the realm are here today. Nothing will go wrong. You've been assigned to one of the safest places in the kingdom."
The younger guard nodded, though the reassurance seemed to do little to calm his nerves. "I know, but… with all these important families here, one wrong move and—"
The older knight cut him off with a slight shake of his head, giving the younger man a pointed look. "There are no 'wrong moves' tonight. Focus on your duty. Let the lords and ladies worry about their gossip. We just keep the peace."
Before the younger guard could respond, another voice broke the tension. A third knight, standing a little apart from the others, squinted into the fading light. His face twisted into a frown, and he leaned forward, straining to see something in the distance. "Wait… what is that…?" he muttered, his voice low but filled with uncertainty.
The other guards turned to follow his gaze, their expressions sharpening. Far beyond the gate, shrouded in the twilight shadows, stood a figure. The dim light obscured its features, but even from a distance, it was clear that whatever stood before them was not human. The void creature was a grotesque silhouette, its form shifting subtly, as though it was made of the very shadows it cloaked itself in. There was an aura of malevolence about it, an otherworldly presence that made the air around it feel heavier, colder.
The younger guard's breath caught in his throat. His hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword, his fingers trembling ever so slightly. "What… what is that thing?" he whispered, his voice barely audible, as if speaking too loudly would somehow draw the creature's attention.
The older knight's jaw tightened. He stared at the creature, his mind racing, trying to assess the threat. His grip on his sword was firm, but even he couldn't ignore the chill that ran down his spine. "I don't know," he said slowly, his eyes narrowing as he watched the creature's still, menacing form. "But whatever it is… it's not friendly."
The creature didn't move. It remained just beyond the gate, standing in the fading light like a statue, its presence unnatural and ominous. The shadows around it seemed to writhe, twisting and curling as if they were alive. The guards felt a deep, unsettling tension growing between them, the hairs on the back of their necks standing on end.
One of the knights, a younger but braver soul, stepped forward slightly, his voice wavering despite his best efforts. "Should we… should we call for reinforcements? Alert the manor?" His question hung in the air, thick with uncertainty.
The older knight hesitated for the briefest moment, his eyes never leaving the creature. The tension in the air was palpable now, the weight of the unknown pressing down on them. "Not yet," he finally said, his voice low but resolute. "Let's not cause a panic unless we have to. It hasn't moved—maybe it's just… observing."
But even as he spoke, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. The creature's stillness wasn't natural. It was as if it was waiting for something—waiting for them to make the first move.