The morning sunlight filtered through the towering windows of the Valrois estate, casting a golden glow on the polished marble floors. Mina awoke to the unfamiliar softness of an oversized bed, the plush bedding a stark contrast to the humble cot she was used to in the village. Yet, despite the luxury, her mind was restless.
The Duke's words from the night before echoed in her thoughts: "If you're willing to trust me, I'll share the rest of the puzzle."
Mina sat up, brushing strands of dark hair from her face. There was something magnetic about Adrien Valrois—his aura, his intelligence—but she couldn't shake the feeling that he was hiding something. She had promised herself to remain cautious, and today would test her resolve.
---
A Morning Stroll
After a light breakfast in the ornate dining hall, Mina decided to explore the estate grounds. Elias and Kael had stayed behind in their chambers, each recovering from their journey in their own way. As she wandered through the vast gardens, Mina was struck by the intricate detail of every corner—the fountains, the statues, even the carefully arranged flowerbeds seemed to tell a story.
Her musings were interrupted by the sound of a soft cough. Turning, Mina found herself face-to-face with one of the estate's maids, a young girl with shy eyes and a hesitant smile.
"Lady Mina," the maid said, curtsying.
Mina blinked. "Please, just Mina. I'm not a lady."
The maid seemed startled but nodded quickly. "As you wish. The Duke asked me to fetch you. He's waiting in the library."
---
The Library's Secrets
The library of the Valrois estate was unlike anything Mina had ever seen. Rows upon rows of books lined the walls, their spines gleaming with gold-leaf titles in languages she couldn't read. The air smelled faintly of parchment and ink, and the soft light of crystal chandeliers bathed the room in a warm glow.
Adrien stood by a large wooden desk, his back to her as he examined a map spread across its surface. He glanced up as Mina entered, his sharp blue eyes immediately locking onto hers.
"Punctual as always," he said, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"You wanted to see me?" Mina asked, keeping her tone neutral.
Adrien gestured for her to approach. "There's something I want to show you."
He pointed to the map, which was covered in markings—symbols, lines, and circles that seemed to trace paths across the kingdom. Mina recognized some of the symbols as similar to the runes she had seen in the book the night before.
"These," Adrien said, tapping one of the circles, "are locations where the curses have been reported. Notice anything unusual?"
Mina studied the map, her brow furrowing. "They're all near major noble estates."
"Precisely," Adrien said, his voice grave. "The curses aren't random. They're targeted."
---
Unveiling the Connections
Adrien explained that the curses seemed to follow a deliberate pattern, each one tied to a family of power or influence. The implications were chilling.
"Who would do this?" Mina asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Adrien leaned back, his expression unreadable. "That's the question, isn't it? Whoever they are, they're playing a dangerous game."
Mina felt a shiver run down her spine. She had thought the curses were isolated incidents, but this revelation painted a much darker picture.
"And what do you want me to do about it?" she asked.
Adrien's gaze softened slightly. "I don't expect you to solve this alone. But you've shown a remarkable ability to see beyond the surface, to uncover truths that others overlook. I believe you can help me find the person—or people—responsible."
---
A Chance Encounter
As Mina left the library, her mind racing with Adrien's words, she nearly collided with Elias in the hallway.
"Careful," he said, steadying her. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Mina hesitated, unsure of how much to tell him. "It's the Duke. He thinks the curses are being orchestrated by someone."
Elias's expression darkened. "And you believe him?"
"I don't know," Mina admitted. "But if he's right, this is bigger than we thought."
Kael appeared around the corner, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. "Then we'd better figure it out fast. I just overheard some of the servants talking—there's going to be a gathering here tonight. Nobles from across the kingdom."
Mina frowned. "What kind of gathering?"
Kael shrugged. "They didn't say. But it sounds important."
---
The Gathering
That evening, the estate was transformed. Chandeliers blazed with light, and the grand hall was filled with the murmur of conversation and the clinking of crystal glasses. Mina, dressed in a simple but elegant gown provided by the estate's staff, felt acutely aware of every gaze that landed on her.
Adrien stood at the center of the room, effortlessly commanding the attention of the assembled nobles. He was in his element, his every word and gesture carefully calculated.
As Mina observed from the sidelines, a young noblewoman approached her. She was strikingly beautiful, with auburn hair and a sharp, calculating smile.
"You must be Mina," the woman said, her tone dripping with curiosity. "The Duke has spoken of you."
Mina forced a polite smile. "I'm honored to be here."
The woman's smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. "I wonder… what is it about you that has captured his interest?"
Before Mina could respond, Adrien's voice cut through the crowd. "Lady Celeste, you're frightening my guest."
Celeste laughed, a musical sound that somehow felt hollow. "My apologies, Duke Valrois. I was merely curious."
Adrien's gaze shifted to Mina, his expression unreadable. "Mina, a word?"
---
The Duke's Warning
Adrien led Mina to a quieter corner of the hall, his demeanor unusually serious.
"Be careful around Lady Celeste," he said quietly. "She has her own agenda, and it rarely aligns with anyone else's."
Mina frowned. "Why would she be interested in me?"
Adrien hesitated, as if weighing his words. "You're not just a maid, Mina. You're a mystery—and people fear what they don't understand."
Mina met his gaze, searching for any hint of deceit. "And what about you? Do you fear me?"
Adrien's lips curved into a faint smile. "No. But I do find you fascinating."
---
A New Ally?
As the night wore on, Mina couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. Yet, despite the tension, she also felt a strange sense of purpose. She was no longer just an NPC in someone else's story—she was writing her own.
By the time the gathering ended, Mina had learned more about the nobles and their connections to the curses. But she also knew that her journey was far from over.
For now, she would have to trust Adrien, even as she prepared for the challenges that lay ahead