"I'll take your belongings to the guest room," said the driver who had escorted Serenith as he stepped out of the car and stood beside her.
Serenith looked at him, puzzled. She stared for a moment, then snapped out of it. "Ah, forgive me. I am the head butler of this house. My name is Charles Blackwood," he said politely. "I should have introduced myself earlier at the station. My apologies once again, miss." His smile was warm.
He looked too young to be a butler. His age seemed just past the threshold of adolescence, but the confidence radiating from his upright posture made anyone think twice before underestimating him. His tall, muscular frame gave the impression that every movement was deliberate, designed for perfection. His dark brown hair was neatly combed back, creating a disciplined appearance almost too immaculate. And those gray eyes...
"Is there something on my face?" Charles asked, confused, as Serenith continued to stare at him.
Huh? Serenith realized she had been staring too long. Embarrassed, she shook her head. "Oh, nothing. And thank you," she said, now feeling awkward.
"Your mother has been waiting inside. You should head in; it's not good to stay outdoors after nightfall," Charles said calmly, but there was a sense of unspoken rule in his tone, as though it was a house decree.
Serenith nodded. "Are there wild animals roaming around here at night?" she asked curiously.
Charles only smiled. "Indeed. Packs of wolves are frequently spotted in this area."
"Wolves?" Serenith gasped at the unexpected revelation.
"No need to worry, miss. The manor is well-guarded, and its residents are perfectly safe."
That assurance didn't feel entirely convincing.
Why do I have to be here? she wondered, leaning her head against the chair's backrest. This all feels so unsettling. I just want to go back to my normal life, far away from all this.
Her mother, Elara, was waiting in the manor's grand lobby, her cheerful smile wide and welcoming.
"Serenith!" Elara called out with joy. She stepped forward and hugged her daughter warmly. "I'm so glad you've finally come! You look tired," she said, patting Serenith's back.
Serenith returned the embrace briefly, comforted by her mother's warmth, which eased her tension slightly. But her attention quickly shifted to the tall, pale-skinned man standing beside Elara. Her potential stepfather? He looked intimidating with his sharp gaze, though that impression faded when his voice emerged—gentle and caring.
"Welcome, Serenith," he said softly, extending his hand for a handshake. "I've heard much about you from Elara. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Serenith hesitated before taking his hand, keenly aware of his piercing gaze. "Thank you, Lord Regalus," she replied, glancing at her mother for confirmation that she had addressed him correctly. Her mother nodded, and Serenith continued, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well."
Noticing her daughter's awkwardness, Elara smiled kindly. "Regalus and I met a few months ago. We've been friends for quite some time before that. He's a wonderful man—very caring and wise. I'm sure you'll find it easy to get along with him."
Regalus looked at Serenith with understanding, the sharpness in his eyes vanishing instantly. "I hope you'll feel at home here. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to let me know."
Serenith nodded uneasily.
After a brief introduction, Elara guided Serenith to the guest room. "You must be exhausted after the long trip. Come, rest for a while before dinner. I'm sure the food here will lift your spirits."
Serenith followed her mother to the guest room, feeling slightly awkward, her wish to leave still lingering in her mind. As she stepped inside, it felt as if she had entered an entirely new world.
The guest room was spacious, with walls adorned with mahogany wood panels. In the corner stood an old wardrobe, its wood creaking softly as Serenith opened its door. A classic iron-framed bed rested at the center of the room, its pristine white sheets carrying a faint lavender scent.
A large wooden-framed window overlooking the garden allowed moonlight to stream in, casting a gentle glow on the polished hardwood floor. Velvet burgundy curtains hung heavily on either side, exuding elegance while slightly restricting fresh air.
Serenith slowly unpacked her belongings from the suitcase, carefully placing each piece of clothing in the wardrobe, which carried the distinct scent of aged wood. Occasionally, she paused, letting her thoughts drift to the serene garden visible through the window. Every movement was deliberate, as if organizing her belongings was the only way to bring order to the chaos within her.
In truth, she was trying to simplify her thoughts about her mother's marriage. This wasn't her mother's second marriage—it was her third. And her mother knew well that Serenith could not force herself to stay and socialize with her new stepfather. Yet, no matter how much she tried to bury her thoughts and consider her mother's fiancé a stranger, the bond between them as mother and daughter would remain.
She sighed, attempting to dispel the unease that hung over her. I can do this, she whispered softly, more to herself than anyone else. I just need to smile and fade into the background.
Her gaze returned to the garden beyond the large window. "This place is beautiful, although... a little intimidating," she murmured, a faint smile gracing her lips. Yet it wasn't entirely genuine; there was a cautiousness she couldn't ignore.
The garden looked immaculate, every corner meticulously maintained. In the distance, the soft glow of lights from a small structure reflected off the glass. A greenhouse? Serenith recognized the silhouette and remembered how much she had once loved gardening as a child—before everything changed. Before her almost-normal life shattered into pieces.
Her reverie broke when she saw something. A shadow moved swiftly across the garden, disappearing into the darkness. Someone in a black cloak. A cloak? Serenith's heart raced. Who still wears a cloak like that? Except… on Halloween. Curiosity crept into her mind, stirring an inexplicable sense of unease.
Knock, knock, knock. A knock at the door broke the silence.
"Miss, the Mistress has summoned you for dinner," Charles's polite yet firm voice echoed from the hallway.
Serenith closed her eyes briefly, trying to calm her thoughts, which were still fixated on the shadow in the garden.
Charles?
When she remained silent, the voice continued in a friendly tone, "I'll wait until you're ready. The manor can be a bit confusing, so I'll escort you to the dining room."
Serenith snapped out of her daze. "Ah... Just a moment. I'll be right out," she said, running her fingers through her slightly trembling hair.
A soft chuckle came from behind the door. "No need to rush, miss."
Serenith took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. One thing was certain—this place would not easily feel like home.
The dining room radiated a cold grandeur. The high ceilings were adorned with intricate carvings, dimly illuminated by the flickering glow of candlelight. Tall windows lined one side of the room, their glass panes allowing faint glimpses of the dark night outside.
At the center of the room stood a long mahogany table, polished to perfection, with place settings arranged with impeccable precision. The aroma of roasted meat and rich spices wafted through the air, mingling with the bold scent of wine.
Elara gestured for Serenith to sit beside her. With measured steps, Serenith approached a chair and sat, her gaze lingering on the table. Something caught her attention. There were four plates set neatly in place—not three, as she had expected.
Is there someone else? Another member of Lord Regalus's family?
Lord Regalus seemed to notice her puzzlement and offered a subtle, almost enigmatic smile. "Ah, you haven't met him yet. I have a son… he's likely older than you."
Serenith immediately glanced at her mother, her expression a mixture of confusion and curiosity. Why didn't you mention this in your letters? her eyes seemed to ask.
"He's been rather busy lately," Lord Regalus continued in a casual tone, as though it wasn't an important detail. "But he'll be joining us for dinner. I think it will be good for the two of you to get to know each other."
Serenith could only nod, though her heart pounded uneasily. She swallowed her rising apprehension, forcing herself to mask her distaste for surprises like these.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Charles enter the room, followed by a man. His movements were calm, yet carried an air of authority. The room seemed to shift as his presence filled it, a quiet intensity that was both magnetic and unnerving.
Charles gestured for the man to take a seat across from Serenith.
Serenith found herself staring. There was something about him that made the air feel heavier, like a shadow spreading silently. His face was indifferent until he seemed to sense her gaze. Slowly, he raised his head, and their eyes met.
Time seemed to stop.
He was strikingly handsome. His face appeared sculpted, with sharp features like a work of art carved from marble. A defined jawline framed a face of captivating beauty, but beneath that perfection lay an aura of danger—something unsettling yet impossible to ignore.
Lord Regalus's voice broke the charged silence, snapping them back to reality. "Serenith, this is my son, Caelum. You may call him Kai. And Kai, this is Serenith. She will be your stepsister."
Kai's piercing gaze remained locked on Serenith as he gave a slight nod. His movement was subtle, yet exuded a quiet arrogance. There was something in the way he looked at her—not merely a casual introduction, but a sharp, assessing evaluation, as if he were measuring her in some unseen way.
Lord Regalus sighed, his sharp eyes narrowing briefly at his son. "Couldn't you introduce yourself properly, Kai?" His tone was firm but calm.
Kai tilted his head slightly, his expression remaining indifferent. "This is dinner," he replied coolly, his voice low but cutting, like a blade gliding over smooth glass. "There's plenty of time for introductions."
Then, his gaze shifted back to Serenith, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips—a smile that was difficult to read. "Isn't that right, Serenith?"
"Yes," Serenith replied softly, though her voice carried more resolve than she felt. "There's plenty of time."
But deep inside, she knew this dinner would be anything but simple.