Evelyne's breath fogged the cold air as she stepped into the sprawling Ardane estate, its frost-covered battlements glinting against the dying light of the winter sun. The estate loomed like a fortress against the pale winter sky, a stark reminder of the North's relentless grip. Her clothes painted in crimson fluttered against the biting wind as she stepped out of the carriage, the sound of crunching snow beneath her boots the only noise in the eerie stillness of the courtyard.
Inside, the imposing hall was a study in northern grandeur, high vaulted ceilings adorned with banners bearing House Ardane's sigil—snow wolf howling under a crescent moon. Intricately woven tapestries depicting scenes of battle and triumph, and hearths blazing with fierce fires to stave off winter's bite. Evelyne's boots echoed softly against the polished stone floor as a servant led her forward, the air thick with a solemn, almost oppressive weight. Her mind raced, battling to suppress the unease twisting in her gut.
At the far end of the hall, Margrave Aldric Ardane stood, a figure of unyielding power and presence. His cobalt armor shimmered faintly in the firelight, etched with the runic insignias of his house. His formidable build spoke of a man forged for war, yet his demeanor exuded a deliberate calm—a composed strength that softened the ruthless image Evelyne had envisioned. His sapphire-blue eyes, piercing yet thoughtful, scanned a collection of documents in his hands with an intensity that reflected his military precision, a man wholly dedicated to duty.
Standing beside him, however, was a man who seemed to leech the warmth from the room. Cloaked in heavy furs, his face partially obscured. His mere presence exuded menace, and Evelyne instinctively recoiled from the chilling aura he projected.
'Is he one of the Wolves of Adrane?' Evelyne wondered. The Wolves, the estate's elite intelligence unit, were infamous for their ruthless efficiency. 'If the Margrave is speaking to an Adrane Wolf, he must already be assessing my situation,' she thought while bowing. The servant guiding her stepped back, leaving Evelyne alone with Aldric.
"Lady Evelyne Vargas," Aldric began, his deep voice carrying a blend of authority and warmth. "I hope you'll pardon my delayed welcome. The North can be quite unforgiving this time of year. Please, follow me; we can talk where the chill does not bite so fiercely."
Evelyne inclined her head, her posture poised but guarded. "There is nothing to forgive, Your Excellency. I am grateful for your audience."
Aldric gestured toward an adjoining chamber, a study warmed by a roaring hearth. Unlike the grand hall, this room was modest, its walls lined with bookshelves and a table cluttered with maps and notes—a reflection of a man steeped in duty. Evelyne settled into a cushioned chair, her fingers brushing the soft fabric as if to anchor herself. Aldric dismissed the remaining attendants with a nod, granting them the privacy she had requested.
Seated opposite her, Aldric leaned back slightly, his gaze steady but not unkind. "How are you feeling, Lady Evelyne? The journey here must have been arduous."
Evelyne hesitated, her silver eyes briefly studying the flickering flames before returning to his. She chose her words with care, her tone cautious yet polite. "I am managing, Your Excellency. The North's chill is bracing, but your hospitality has eased its sting."
"Lady Evelyne," Aldric said after a brief pause, his tone softening. "I want to offer my deepest condolences for your family's loss. Your parents were extraordinary—they weren't just known for their influence, but for their wisdom and kindness, which made them truly respected by all who knew them. The bond between House Vargas and House Adrane is more than political or financial. Their loss is deeply felt, even here in the North."
Evelyne inclined her head, acknowledging his words. "You are kind, Your Excellency. My family valued the alliance with House Ardane greatly." Her voice was calm, but the slight quiver betrayed the storm of emotions she kept buried.
Aldric leaned forward slightly, his sapphire blue eyes reflecting the firelight. His gaze softened as he continued, "I recall my first banquet at the capital when I was younger—a gathering of youth from noble houses. I felt like an outsider in that grand city, so far removed from the cold expanse of the North. But it was your elder sister, Lady Cristina, who helped me navigate through those unfamiliar waters. She had an ease about her, a warmth and elegance that drew people in," he added, "sometimes she can be quite insistent", with a faint smile. "But I guess that was also one of her charms".
Evelyne blinked, surprised. "Cristina?"
"Yes," Aldric said, a nostalgic warmth creeping into his voice. "She noticed how lost I was and took it upon herself to introduce me to the capital's intricacies. She had this uncanny ability to make even the most unfamiliar places feel welcoming. I spent much of that time in her company, learning the ways of the central region and finding some respite from the overwhelming nature of it all. Those memories have stayed with me."
He paused for a moment, his expression growing more serious. "Lady Evelyne, what happened to your family is a tragedy. If there is any way House Ardane can assist you, please do not hesitate to speak. We may not wield the power we once did, but our loyalty to our allies remains unwavering."
Evelyne studied him in silence for a moment, her fingers tightening slightly around the fabric of her gown. Her thoughts racing, 'he isn't probing for leverage or playing political games. He's genuinely concerned, offering me reassurance.'
His sincerity was undeniable, a steady warmth that contrasted sharply with the cold Evelyne felt since her parents' death.
And yet, as much as his words and demeanor comforted her, Evelyne couldn't shake the layers of caution she had built around herself. 'His warmth is disarming, but trust is a luxury I cannot indulge in—not when so much is at stake.'
Her gaze flickered to the fire as she composed herself. 'Even if he is kind, I must wear the mask. If vengeance demands it, I'll be reborn as the evil's incarnation.'
Evelyne's expression softened, masking the turmoil within. "Your Excellency, your words mean more to me than you may realize. But the situation is... complicated. I hope you'll understand that I need time before I can share the full truth."
Aldric nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Take the time you need, Lady Evelyne. As the North endures the biting cold, so shall I endure the wait with quiet patience."
Evelyne's gaze lingered upon the maps, their inked paths a delicate tapestry of futures yet to be written. The hearth flickered, its warmth a fleeting shield against the frost that clawed at the windows. Her thoughts grew sharp, tempered like steel in the quiet of that winter night. But beyond the stillness, fate stirred, unseen and unyielding. And even Evelyne could not grasp the cost her choices would exact, nor the ruin they would one day unleash.