The cold, biting wind stung Adrian's face as he trudged back through the snow, his footsteps heavy with exhaustion. Vermi nestled close in his arms, the cat's warmth a small comfort against the chill that had settled deep in Adrian's bones. The journey back to Evergreen Manor felt longer than it ever had before, the events of the night weighing heavily on his mind.
Adrian's mind raced, replaying the encounter with the robed figure over and over again. The words it had spoken, the power that had surged through him—it all felt like a distant dream, something surreal and out of place in his usually quiet life. But the throb in his wrist, the glowing vine that had saved Vermi, was a constant reminder that what had happened was all too real.
Finally, the familiar outline of the Evergreen Manor came into view, its warm stucco walls and wooden accents almost welcoming in the dim light of dawn. The manor, with its expansive windows and tranquil surroundings, had always been a sanctuary for Adrian. But tonight, it felt like more—a refuge from a world that was suddenly much more dangerous and mysterious than he had ever imagined.
Pushing open the heavy front door, Adrian stepped inside, the warmth of the manor wrapping around him like a comforting embrace. He closed the door behind him, leaning against it for a moment as he caught his breath. Vermi stirred in his arms, looking up at him with wide, trusting eyes. The sight of his cat, safe and sound, brought a small smile to Adrian's lips, despite everything.
"Let's get some rest," Adrian murmured to Vermi, his voice hoarse with exhaustion. The cat meowed softly in response, as if agreeing with him.
Adrian made his way to the living room, the soft glow of the early morning light filtering through the large windows. The sage green Japandi couch beckoned to him, its soft cushions promising a much-needed respite. He gently placed Vermi on the couch before collapsing next to him, the weight of the night finally catching up to him.
Vermi immediately curled up on Adrian's chest, purring softly as he made himself comfortable. Adrian ran his fingers through the cat's fur, the simple, repetitive motion soothing his frayed nerves. His eyes fluttered shut, his body sinking deeper into the couch as sleep began to claim him.
But even as he drifted off, his mind wouldn't fully let go of the events that had unfolded. The image of the robed figure, the strange power that had surged through him, and the vine tattoo on his wrist—all of it lingered in the back of his mind, like a puzzle he couldn't quite piece together.
As he fell into a deep sleep, the last thing Adrian was aware of was the steady rhythm of Vermi's purring and the comforting warmth of the manor surrounding him. Whatever challenges awaited him, whatever truths he had to uncover, they would have to wait. For now, he was home, and that was enough.
The manor seemed to sigh along with him, its walls holding the echoes of a time long past, and its windows watching over Adrian as he slept. Outside, the snow continued to fall, blanketing the world in a quiet, peaceful stillness.
Adrian's breathing slowed, his mind finally giving in to the darkness of sleep. He would need his rest for whatever came next, but for now, he was safe. The manor, with its rustic charm and hidden depths, would protect him. And Vermi, his loyal companion, would be right by his side, ready to face whatever tomorrow would bring.
In the silence of the manor, as Adrian and Vermi slept, a soft, teal glow pulsed faintly from the vine tattoo on Adrian's wrist, a subtle reminder of what he didn't want.