As the carriage pass through the gates of the Rosvella estate, a sense of unease settled over Naryn. The sprawling mansion stood before him, its grandeur unchanged, but it felt colder than he remembered. Servants bustled about the grounds, their movements hurried and practiced, as if the mansion operated on a rhythm all its own, indifferent to his return.
The carriage came to a halt, and the door was opened by another valet. Naryn stepped out, his gaze looking at the familiar surroundings. A steward approached, his expression neutral. "The young lord Anden awaits you in the study."
Naryn nodded, his heart pounding. Without a word, he followed the steward through the mansion's grand halls. The opulence of the interior, with its gilded fixtures and elaborate tapestries, felt suffocating rather than impressive.
As they reached the study, the steward opened the heavy oak door and stepped aside. Naryn entered, his posture guarded, his eyes immediately falling on Anden. The young lord stood by the window, his back turned, the afternoon light casting his silhouette in sharp relief.
"Naryn," Anden said, his voice calm yet carrying an edge that made Naryn's spine stiffen. "You've returned."
"I had too," Naryn replied evenly, his hands at his sides, fists clenched to stop them from trembling.
Anden turned, his expression unreadable. For a moment, neither spoke, the silence stretching between them like a chasm. Finally, Anden broke the silence.
"Much has happened since you left," he said, his tone measured. "We need to talk."
Naryn braced himself, unsure of what was to come. Whatever awaited him in the Rosvella mansion, he knew one thing for certain: this week would be anything but restful.
Anden gestured toward the chairs by the fireplace. "Sit."
Naryn hesitated for a moment before moving to the chairs. The tension thrumming through him. Anden took the opposite seat, his movements composed.
For a moment, neither spoke, the crackling fire filling the silence. Naryn studied Anden's face, searching for clues to the man's mood. Was it anger ? Or something else entirely ?
"You've changed," Anden finally said, his voice quieter now, almost thoughtful.
"I've had too change," Naryn replied, his tone careful.
"Clearly." Anden's lips twitched into a brief, humorless smile. "Though I wonder if that education has made you forget your place."
Naryn's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. The weight of the collar, now secured around his neck, was a bitter reminder of that place.
Anden leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "Do you know what I've had to deal with since our fight ? The council, the elders, even my father...they all see me as less than nothing."
Naryn said, His voice firm, his gaze unwavering. "I only wanted the chance to prove I could be more than a slave."
Anden's expression darkened, and for a moment, Naryn thought he'd gone too far.
"Prove that you could be more...?" Anden asked quietly. "Don't make me laugh... you still a slave you maybe think that you were safe in the academy but here your in my own territory."
Naryn straightened, meeting Anden's gaze with unwavering resolve. "I know that since i have this collar around my neck."
Anden's expression unreadable. For a moment, he said nothing. Then, he let out a slow sigh, running a hand through his hair. "You really change that much, before you could'nt even look me in the eyes."
Anden's sigh, carrying with it a strange mix of frustration and something Naryn couldn't quite place—curiosity, perhaps ?
"And now, you dare challenge me," Anden continued, his tone softer, almost introspective. "You speak like you're my equal. Don't you ?"
Naryn's fists clenched, but he kept his voice steady. "I don't think anything. I know my place...you've but just because I wear this collar mean I'm less than you."
Anden arched a brow, leaning back in his chair. "Brave words, you dare talk back to me now and you even drop the master don't forget i got you faith in the palm of my hand."
"I haven't forgotten," Naryn replied, the fire in his voice betraying the coolness of his expression. "I just don't care about it anymore. If you want to punish me, go ahead."
The room went silent, the crackling fire the only sound. Anden stared at Naryn, his eyes searching, as if trying to discern the truth behind his defiance. Finally, a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"You're either incredibly foolish or… something else entirely," Anden said. "I can't decide which."
Naryn didn't respond, his gaze unwavering. He refused to let Anden see the lingering fear in his heart.
"Very well," Anden said, rising from his seat. "I won't punish you..for now. But don't mistake that for forgiveness. You've embarrassed me in ways I can't ignore, Naryn. You've made my life infinitely more complicated."
Naryn stood as well, his posture tense but resolute. "I didn' ask for that."
Anden flinched, the words cutting deeper than Naryn expected. For a fleeting moment, Anden's mask slipped, revealing something raw and vulnerable. But just as quickly, it was gone.
"You should get some rest," Anden said, turning away. "This week will be long, and I suspect it won't be as uneventful as you hope."
Naryn hesitated but knew there was no point in pressing further. Without another word, he turned and left the study, his footsteps echoing through the grand halls.
As he walked back to his assigned quarters, his mind swirled with unanswered questions and a deepening sense of unease. Anden's words weren't just a threat—they were a warning.
Whatever was coming, Naryn would have to face it head-on, just as he always had. Only this time, the stakes felt higher, the dangers more personal.
As Naryn stood in front of the doorway of his quarters, his father's sudden embrace and tearful words left him speechless. his grip was tight, his body trembling with a mixture of relief and anguish.
"I thought they had killed you," his father voice full in emotions.
Naryn, startled by the intensity of his father's reaction, let a nervous smile cross his face. "Killed me ? What do you mean, Father ?"
His father pulled back slightly, his hands gripping Naryn's shoulders as he searched his face. "I was surprised to see Master Anden return from the academy alone," he said, his voice trembling. "I asked him about you, but he told me… he said he struck you with a lightning and that you didn't wake up. I thought I thought you were gone."
The weight of those words hit Naryn like a blow. He felt his stomach twist as he heard his father word, forcing himself to remain calm.
"Well," Naryn said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within, "as you can see, I'm alive so don't worry."
His father's expression shifted, confusion mingling with concern. "What happened at the academy, Naryn ? Weren't you there to support your master ? Why would he…?"
Naryn hesitated, his thoughts racing. He couldn't tell his father everything. The truth would only put his father in more danger. Instead, he chose his words carefully.
"There was… a misunderstanding," Naryn said slowly, meeting his father's worried gaze. "Things got heated, but it's over now."
His father's brows furrowed, clearly unsatisfied with the vague explanation. "A misunderstanding ? Naryn, you were there to support him..i know how anden as been treating you since but we can't do anything about it were slave and them our master don't forget it."
Naryn looked away, the weight of his father's words pressing down on him. "I know...but were first human before." he said quietly.
His father sighed deeply, his hands dropping to his sides. "I just don't want to lose you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're all I have left."
Naryn felt a pang in his chest, the raw vulnerability in his father's voice cutting through him. He placed a hand on his father's shoulder, offering what little comfort he could. "You won't lose me. I promise."
Though his father nodded, the worry in his eyes remained.
As Naryn gently disentangled himself from his father's, Mila rushed toward him, throwing her arms around him without hesitation. Her sobs were muffled against his chest, but her emotions were palpable.
"Ugh... Mila, what are you doing here ?" Naryn asked, startled by the sudden display.
She tightened her hug, her voice trembling. I thought he had killed you ! Why didn't you send a letter ? I was so worried. I thought you were really dead."
Naryn, attempting to wriggle free, let out a sigh. "You too... As you can see, I'm fine. But how did you know I was back ?"
Regaining her composure, Mila finally stepped back, wiping tears from her cheeks. "Ah, yes ! The Master has summoned you."
Naryn frowned, his confusion evident. "Anden wants to see me ? I just met him not too long ago."
Mila shook her head, her expression becoming serious. "It's not Master Anden who's waiting for you. It's Master Armoric who called for you."
Naryn blinked, her words catching him off guard. Master Armoric ? Why would he want to see me ? he thought, his mind racing with possibilities.
With a resigned sigh, he glanced back at his father. "Wait for me, Father. I'll be back soon."
His father nodded, his concern still evident but trusting Naryn to handle himself.
As Mila led him through the mansion's corridors, Naryn decided to break the silence. She was one of the few servants in the Rosvella household who had shown genuine kindness to him and his father over the years. If anyone knew what might be happening, it was her.
"So, Mila," Naryn began, his tone softer now, "do you know why Master Armoric wants to see me ?"
Mila glanced at him, her face thoughtful. "I'm not sure. Master Armoric doesn't usually involve himself with the servants, let alone someone in your... situation." Her voice faltered slightly at the last word, but her concern was evident. "But whatever it is, be careful, Naryn."
He gave her a small, reassuring smile. "I always am. And did there some change meanwhile i was at the academy something i should know or be aware ?"
Mila think carefully "Not really they hadn't big changement since you left for the academy...Oh yes is there something you should know Ani Rosvella has return."
Naryn surprised "Ani is back in the mansion ..."
Mila respond "Yes she's been back for a week now i heard she got some time away of her compagnie and she wanted to rest." Naryn said "I see.." as he return to his though.
As they continued walking, Naryn couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Armoric was the head of the Rosvella family. Whatever awaited him in that office, he knew it wouldn't be simple.
As Naryn walked through the mansion's ornate corridors, his thoughts churned uneasily. Mila's revelation about Ani Rosvella's return added another layer of uncertainty. Ani, was the prodigy of the Rosvella family, and said to be the future head of the family. His her return, coinciding with Master Armoric's sudden summons ?
Mila's footsteps echoed softly alongside his, and her quiet demeanor was a source of both comfort and foreboding.
"Did Ani say anything about me ?" Naryn asked after a pause, his voice low.
Mila shook her head slightly. "Not directly. But she's been... since she came back she's been, asking questions about the estate. I don't know if she's aware of everything that happened while you were at the academy, but she always had a way of knowing more than she let on."
Naryn nodded slowly, at her words. Ani had always been sharp. Her return could mean any number of things, and he wasn't sure if it boded well for him.
When they finally stopped in front of a set of imposing double doors, Mila hesitated, placing a hand on his arm. "Be careful, Naryn," she said softly, her eyes filled with genuine concern.
"I will," Naryn replied, offering her a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
The doors opened without him needing to knock, and Mila stepped back, leaving him alone. Taking a deep breath, Naryn entered the room.
The office was vast and meticulously arranged, every detail screaming wealth and power. Master Armoric sat behind an ornate desk, his piercing gaze meeting Naryn's the moment he stepped inside.
"Come in," Armoric said, his voice deep and commanding. He gestured for Naryn to approach the desk.
Naryn obeyed, keeping his posture straight and his expression neutral. Every step felt heavier than the last, and the air in the room seemed to hum with tension.
"So," Armoric began, leaning back in his chair. "You've returned. I imagine you're wondering why I've called you here."
"Yes, Master Armoric," Naryn replied, his voice steady despite the storm brewing within him.
Armoric studied him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Much has changed since you left for the academy, Naryn. And not just here in the estate. I've received reports about your actions, your defiance, and the spectacle you made during your time there."
Naryn's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond.
"I've also heard about your... growth," Armoric continued, his tone cold and calculating. "Tell me, Naryn, do you still understand your place in this household ?"
The question hung in the air, suffocating and heavy. Naryn met Armoric's gaze, refusing to look away. "I haven't forgotten." he said carefully "I know that i stepped out of my position im willing to take any punishment" he said as he bow.
"Good," Armoric said, his lips curling into a thin smile. "But im not here to punish you in fact i was going to award you at firs i was mad that you beat my son but he maybe deserved it, but i hear from someone about what you did."
Naryn remained silent confuse about the changement of tone with Master Armoric.
"Since this person ask me to rewards you im going to accept one of your request as a gift it can be anything." Naryn mind race He going to take one of my request and anything so that mean...
"If your taking one of my request, what i want is..."