The crisp morning air carried the scent of freshly blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the dark events of Ravenhurst. Mina sat at the edge of a tranquil lake, lost in thought. The recent battle with the curse had shaken her, yet it also left her with a strange sense of pride. For once, she wasn't just following a storyline—she was shaping it.
Elias approached her, his footsteps soft against the grass. "Penny for your thoughts?"
Mina glanced up, offering a faint smile. "I was just wondering if things will ever settle down. It feels like danger follows us everywhere."
Elias sat beside her, his expression contemplative. "Danger has a way of finding those who refuse to look away from the truth. You've done more for these people than anyone else would have dared."
Before Mina could respond, Kael's voice broke through the peaceful moment. "You two might want to come back to the village. We've got company."
---
The Arrival of the Duke
Back in the village square, a grand carriage adorned with the crest of the Valrois Duchy stood out amidst the humble surroundings. A group of soldiers in pristine uniforms flanked the carriage, their stoic expressions revealing nothing.
Mina felt her pulse quicken. The Valrois Duchy was renowned throughout the kingdom, both for its wealth and for the enigmatic figure who led it: Duke Adrien Valrois. In the game, he had been an elusive character, his motives always shrouded in mystery.
As the door of the carriage opened, a man stepped out, his presence commanding. Duke Adrien was tall and striking, his dark hair falling in waves that framed his chiseled features. His sharp blue eyes scanned the crowd, lingering on Mina.
He approached her with the grace of a predator. "You must be Mina."
Mina straightened, unsure of how to respond. "Yes, my lord. To what do we owe the honor of your visit?"
Adrien's lips curved into a faint smile. "I've heard of your recent heroics. It's not every day that a maid saves an entire village from a curse. I came to see the woman behind the tales."
---
An Unexpected Proposal
The Duke's gaze didn't waver, and Mina felt a strange mix of curiosity and unease under his scrutiny. She wasn't used to this kind of attention, especially from someone so influential.
"I'd like to invite you to my estate," Adrien continued. "There are matters I wish to discuss—matters that require someone of your… unique talents."
Elias stepped forward, his protective instincts kicking in. "What kind of matters?"
Adrien's eyes flicked to Elias, his expression unreadable. "That is for her to decide, not you."
Kael placed a hand on Elias's shoulder, a silent reminder to stay calm. Mina, meanwhile, struggled to process the sudden turn of events. Accepting the Duke's invitation could lead to valuable information about the world's hidden dangers—but it also felt like stepping into the lion's den.
After a moment's hesitation, Mina nodded. "I'll go. But my companions come with me."
Adrien inclined his head, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Very well. My carriage will take you to the estate. I'll see you there."
With that, he turned and strode back to the carriage, leaving Mina to prepare for what lay ahead.
---
Journey to Valrois
The journey to the Valrois estate was both breathtaking and nerve-wracking. The carriage wound through lush forests and rolling hills, the scenery so picturesque it could have been pulled from a painting. Yet Mina couldn't shake the feeling that she was being drawn into a game far more dangerous than anything she'd faced before.
Elias sat across from her, his arms crossed and his jaw tight. "Are you sure about this? The Duke isn't someone to be taken lightly."
Mina met his gaze. "I know. But if he knows something about the curses or the sigils, we can't afford to ignore him."
Kael, ever the optimist, chimed in. "Besides, it's not every day you get invited to a Duke's estate. Might as well enjoy the luxury while we can."
Mina managed a small laugh, grateful for Kael's attempt to lighten the mood. Still, the weight of what awaited them was impossible to ignore.
---
The Duke's Estate
The Valrois estate was a sprawling masterpiece of architecture, its grand halls and manicured gardens a testament to the Duke's wealth and power. Mina couldn't help but feel out of place as she stepped through the gilded doors, her maid's uniform a stark contrast to the opulence around her.
Adrien was waiting for them in a grand sitting room, a glass of wine in hand. He motioned for them to sit, his demeanor as composed as ever.
"Welcome," he said smoothly. "I trust the journey was comfortable?"
Mina nodded, choosing her words carefully. "Your hospitality is most generous, my lord. But I must admit, I'm curious about why you invited us here."
Adrien's smile didn't falter. "Straight to the point. I admire that." He set his glass down and leaned forward. "You've encountered something that has eluded even the most skilled scholars and mages of this kingdom—a curse tied to ancient magic. I believe you're the key to uncovering its origins."
---
A Dangerous Alliance
Mina's heart skipped a beat. The Duke's knowledge was far greater than she'd anticipated. Yet his motives remained unclear.
"Why do you care about the curses?" she asked.
Adrien's expression darkened, a flicker of emotion breaking through his polished exterior. "Because they threaten everything I've worked to build. If these curses continue to spread, no one will be safe—not even those who think themselves untouchable."
Elias narrowed his eyes. "And what do you expect us to do about it?"
Adrien's gaze shifted to Mina. "I want you to work with me. Together, we can uncover the truth behind these curses and put an end to them."
Mina hesitated. Teaming up with the Duke was a risky move, but his resources and knowledge could prove invaluable. Still, she couldn't ignore the feeling that he was hiding something.
"I'll consider it," she said finally.
Adrien inclined his head. "That's all I ask. For now, rest and enjoy the estate. You'll need your strength for what's to come."
---
Whispers of Danger
As night fell, Mina found herself unable to sleep. The grandeur of the estate felt suffocating, its silence broken only by the occasional creak of the old walls. She wandered the halls, her thoughts a whirlwind of doubts and questions.
In the library, she stumbled upon a book left open on a desk. The pages were filled with intricate diagrams and ancient runes, many of which resembled the sigil from Ravenhurst.
Before she could examine it further, a voice behind her made her jump.
"Curiosity can be dangerous, Mina."
She turned to see Adrien standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable.
"I wasn't—" she began, but he held up a hand to stop her.
"It's all right," he said. "In fact, I expected you to find this. You're more perceptive than most."
Mina frowned. "What is this book?"
Adrien stepped closer, his gaze intense. "A piece of the puzzle. And if you're willing to trust me, I'll share the rest of it with you."
---
A Choice to Make
As the weight of his words settled over her, Mina realized she was at a crossroads. The Duke was offering her a partnership—but at what cost?
For now, she could only nod, her mind racing with possibilities. Whatever Adrien's true intentions, one thing was certain: her journey was far from over.