Reinhardt escorted the group through the bustling streets of Blackwood City, his polished smile unwavering as he maintained a steady stream of polite conversation. Despite his outward calm, Adrian couldn't shake the unsettling aura lingering around the man. It wasn't overt, but the subtle tension in Reinhardt's shoulders and the too-carefully chosen words hinted at something more.The manor came into view at the end of the main thoroughfare, its towering spires and dark stone walls casting long shadows over the surrounding area. The grand iron gates swung open as the procession approached, revealing a meticulously maintained courtyard lined with trimmed hedges and vibrant flowers."Welcome to Blackwood Manor," Reinhardt announced as the group dismounted. He gestured to the grand entrance, where a line of servants stood waiting, heads bowed in perfect synchronicity. "I hope you'll find it accommodating."Adrian's gaze swept over the scene, his expression carefully neutral. "It is... impressive," he replied, though his tone was devoid of genuine admiration.
Reinhardt led them into the grand hall, where the interior was no less ostentatious. Chandeliers of blackened steel hung from vaulted ceilings, their flickering candles casting an eerie glow over the space. The floor was polished marble, and tapestries depicting various victories of the Blackwood lineage adorned the walls.
At the center of the hall, a woman stepped forward, her poise and elegance rivaling that of any noble.She had striking features, with high cheekbones, raven-black hair tied in a tight bun, and piercing green eyes that seemed to take in everything at once. Beside her stood two children: a boy of about ten, his expression a mixture of curiosity and caution, and a girl who looked to be no older than six, clinging to her mother's skirts."My wife, Lady Evanna," Reinhardt introduced, his voice softening as he gestured toward her. "And our children, Felix and Liana."Adrian inclined his head slightly. "Lady Evanna. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Evanna curtsied gracefully, her movements fluid and precise. "The pleasure is ours, Your Grace. We are honored to host someone of your stature." Her tone was warm.Felix stepped forward hesitantly, his gaze darting between Adrian and his father. "Are you really the Duke of the Capital?" he asked, his voice tinged with awe.Adrian's lips curved into a faint smile. "I am."The boy's eyes widened slightly, but before he could ask another question, his mother placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, guiding him back. "Come now, Felix. Our guest must be tired from his journey."Reinhardt clapped his hands, and a steward stepped forward. "Your chambers have been prepared, Your Grace. Allow me to show you the way."The group was led through a series of corridors, each more ornate than the last, until they reached a set of double doors carved with intricate designs of entwined roses and thorns. The steward pushed the doors open, revealing a spacious suite adorned with dark wood furnishings, velvet drapes, and a massive four-poster bed."This will be your chamber," the steward announced. "If you require anything, simply pull the bell cord, and a servant will attend to you immediately."Adrian nodded, stepping into the room. His gaze swept over the space.He turned to the woman and said, "Well, my servant will be staying in the same room." There weren't many people left in the manor, as the knights had already gone to their rooms, leaving only two dukes, a few maids, and him.Duke Reinhardt glanced at him. "As you wish," he said before turning and walking away, leaving the two of them alone.She turned to him, her expression neutral. "Come inside."He stepped into the room, and the door closed softly behind him. The chamber was dimly lit, quiet except for their movements. She turned to face him, her eyes sharp, studying him carefully.With a quick motion, she muttered something under her breath. A faint shimmer surrounded them, cutting off any sound from escaping."Did you notice anything strange about Duke Reinhardt?" she asked, her tone direct.He leaned against the wall, a small smirk forming. "Yeah, something's off. There's this... strange, heavy feeling around him. Hard to notice, but not hard enough for my sharp eyes."She raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Sharp eyes, huh?""Yes, the sharp eyes. Can't you see my beautiful eyes?" he said in a joking tone, a sly grin on his face.She glanced at his eyes briefly, her expression indifferent. "Hmm. Sure, sure. Sharp eyes," she replied dryly.He paused, his smirk fading slightly as he spoke again. "You also have sharp and beautiful eyes," he said, the image of her true form briefly flashing in his mind.She froze for a moment, caught off guard by his words. Her expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker of something in her gaze—hesitation, perhaps. She wasn't used to such remarks, and certainly not from someone bold enough to say them to her face."You talk too much," she said finally, her voice steady but quieter than before. Turning away, she flicked her fingers, and the sound barrier dissolved with a faint shimmer.Hours later, the room was dark except for the faint moonlight spilling through the window. Adrian sat near the window, lost in thought, his gaze occasionally drifting toward her. She was leaning against the far wall, arms crossed, her disguise still intact.After a long silence, she spoke. "You... you should get a name. I can't keep calling you 'you' or 'keeper.' It sounds weird."He raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden suggestion. "A name, huh?" He leaned back, resting his arms behind him. "And what would you call me, then?"She tilted her head slightly, considering. After a moment, she said, "Hmm... let's call you Angel.""… Angel?"He blinked, then let out a sigh. "Angel??"She didn't flinch, her expression still neutral. "Why not?"He gave her a skeptical look. "I'm not sure…""Well," she said, her tone dry, "it's better than 'you' or 'keeper.'""… Fine. Whatever you like," he muttered."I give you permission to call me 'Angel' then."She raised an eyebrow. "Giving me permission?"He shrugged and turned toward the door. "I'll look around the manor. I'll be back soon," he said, his voice casual as he slowly walked out of the room.The door clicked softly behind him, leaving her standing there, arms still crossed.
As he walked through the darkened halls of the manor, he muttered to himself. "...Angel. What kind of name is that? She doesn't even know how to pick a name... just threw something out there." He shook his head.The manor stretched out before him, its hallways winding like an endless maze. The air was thick, heavy with the scent of old stone and the faint chill of night. As he stepped further.[It's not so bad, you know... at least you have someone calling you something unique.]"Of course it's unique, but still... 'Angel'? I'm not some kid," he muttered under his breath.[...True. But it's still a name, right?]He paused for a moment, looking around. "No servants?" he mumbled to himself. His voice echoed down the empty hall, but no reply came. He glanced into rooms as he passed, but all were silent and empty."Where are all the servants?"He took a few more steps, his brow furrowing. "What is going on…"Then, suddenly, he stopped in his tracks. His gaze shifted upward toward the ceiling. At first, he thought it was just shadows, but the longer he stared, the more he saw it—countless eyes, hidden in the intricate carvings of the ceiling, watching him.His heart skipped a beat.The eyes were not just part of the design; they were alive, flickering in the dim light. Unblinking.He stood frozen, his breath caught in his throat. The air grew colder, and the silence deepened."This…" he whispered, his voice trembling.[Interference with senses detected]