Morning sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the hallway. Lucius descended the stairs, his stomach growling.
As he reached the landing, voices drifted from the foyer. Mr. Von Doom and a stern-faced commander stood near the entrance.
"...bringing some fresh meat for the soldiers and hunters," Mr. Von Doom said.
"Much appreciated, Monsieur Von Doom," the commander replied.
"We'll need all the help we can get. Our scouts report the beast's movements are unpredictable."
Mr. Von Doom nodded. "I've heard rumors of a Chinese princess joining the hunt."
"Silvia, yes," the commander confirmed. "A skilled huntress. We're assembling the best team possible."
Lucius lingered, listening.
"The hunt will commence soon," the commander announced. "We'll require a local guide. Someone familiar with the forest's layout."
Mr. Von Doom's expression turned polite but firm. "I'm afraid I must decline. My duties here are too pressing."
The commander's eyes narrowed. "Understood, Monsieur Von Doom. But if you change your mind..."
"I won't," Mr. Von Doom said with a smile.
The commander nodded and departed. Mr. Von Doom watched him leave, his expression thoughtful.
Lucius approached, clearing his throat. "Good morning, Monsieur Von Doom."
"Ah, Lucius! Join me for breakfast. We have much to discuss."
As they walked to the dining room, Lucius asked, "What did the commander want?"
Mr. Von Doom's gaze turned serious. "The hunt is imminent. They'll need all the help they can get."
Lucius's thoughts turned to his own preparations, and the Darach, waiting in the shadows.
Mr. Von Doom's expression turned stern. "Lucius, I must warn you."
"About the hunt?" Lucius asked.
"No, about your safety," Mr. Von Doom replied. "The soldiers are on edge. Their commander is eager to prove himself."
"I'll keep my distance," Lucius promised.
"See that you do," Mr. Von Doom emphasized.
"Also, no sneaking out at night. The beast roams freely under the cover of darkness."
"I understand," Lucius said, his thoughts drifting to his own encounters. Mr. Von Doom's gaze lingered, ensuring Lucius grasped the gravity.
"Now, onto more pleasant matters. Marriate returns today," Mr. Von Doom announced, a warm smile spreading.
"Your son?" Lucius asked.
"Returning after five long years," Mr. Von Doom said, his eyes shining. "I've missed him dearly."
Lucius's curiosity piqued. "I've heard little about Marriate."
"Ah, yes! You've never met," Mr. Von Doom realized. "Marriate was away at school when you arrived."
"What's he like?" Lucius asked.
"Charismatic, intelligent... A bit of a free spirit," Mr. Von Doom chuckled. "Welcome him warmly, Lucius. He's my son, and your brother."
Lucius nodded. "I'll make sure to be here."
"Excellent! Marriate arrives by noon."
"I'll be ready," Lucius promised.
Mr. Von Doom's expression softened. "I'm grateful, Lucius. Family is precious."
As they entered the dining room, Lucius wondered about Marriate. What would his new brother be like? Would they get along?
Lucius climbed the stairs, his thoughts whirling. Marriate's return by noon weighed on his mind. He wanted to make a good impression. A positive first encounter could set the tone.
Lucius entered his room, surveying the space. Books and clothes scattered about.
He swiftly tidied up. Placing shirts and trousers in the dresser. Arranging his books on the shelf, except for three special volumes. His mother's spell books. Lucius hesitated, then carefully hid them under the bed, out of sight, out of mind.
He smoothed the bedspread, fluffed the pillows, and stepped back to admire his handiwork. The room now reflected a sense of order, and welcoming calm.
Lucius checked his appearance in the mirror, ran a hand through his hair, adjusted his collar. Satisfied, he nodded. Now, he was ready to meet Marriate.
The sound of carriage wheels echoed outside. Lucius's heart skipped a beat. Marriate was here. Lucius took a deep breath and descended down the stairs.
Mr. Von Doom beamed. "Right on time!"
Lucius smiled.
The carriage wheels creaked to a halt outside. Lucius descended the stairs, curiosity building. As he reached the foyer, a familiar scent wafted in. He halted, his footsteps faltering. It couldn't be!
He had never met Marriate before. How could his scent be familiar? A shiver ran down Lucius's spine. He pushed aside the feeling.
And stepped into the doorway. Marriate stood on the threshold, their eyes met. Marriate's expression transformed. Shock flashed, then vanished replaced by an evil smirk. Lucius's unease deepened.
There was something unsettling about Marriate's gaze.
"Lucius," Mr. Von Doom said.
"Welcome your brother home." Marriate's smile grew.
"Wonderful to finally meet you, Lucius." His voice dripped with sarcasm.
Lucius's instincts screamed warning, but he extended his hand in politeness. Marriate's grip was firm.. cold.
Their eyes locked. A silent challenge passed between them. Mr. Von Doom's joyous words faded into the background as Lucius sensed a darkness lurking, beneath Marriate's polished facade. The familiar scent lingered.
"You must be Lucius, the new addition to the Von Doom family." Marriate said in a clear voice. His perfectly sculpted face and chiseled body which was Impossible to hide despite the French suit he was putting on. Marriate Von Doom looked to be in early thirties.. probably just thirty years of age.
"I am Lucius Von Blake, and it's thanks to Monsieur and Madame Von Doom who took me in and gave me shelter.
they stepped inside, Mr. Von Doom beamed. "Welcome home, Marriate! I've missed you dearly."
Marriate's smile widened. "Father, it's wonderful to be back."
Lucius followed, his senses on high alert.
Marriate turned to him. "Lucius, tell me about yourself."
"What would you like to know?" Lucius replied.
"Everything," Marriate said, his eyes glinting. "I've heard stories, of course. But I prefer firsthand accounts."
Lucius hesitated, then began, "I arrived here five years ago. Orphaned, with no memory of my past."
Marriate's interest seemed genuine. "I see," he said. "And what have you been doing since?"
"Studying, learning," Lucius replied. "Trying to find my place."
Marriate nodded thoughtfully.
Mr. Von Doom cleared his throat. "Marriate, tell me about school. What brought you back home?"
Marriate's expression shifted. "Father, I've completed my studies. Excellent grades, I might add."
Mr. Von Doom beamed. "But why return now?"
Marriate's gaze dropped. "I... encountered some difficulties."
"Difficulties?" Mr. Von Doom repeated.
"Nothing serious, Father. Just a disagreement with the faculty."
Mr. Von Doom's eyes narrowed. "I'll hear more about this later."
Marriate nodded. "As you wish, Father."
The atmosphere tensed. Lucius sensed underlying tensions between Mr Von Doom and Marriate's words.