The sun was setting behind the mountains when the group finally arrived in front of a colossal mansion.
The building, carved from white stone and topped with slate-roofed towers, stood like a memory of a bygone era.
Colorful stained glass adorned the high windows, casting purple and gold reflections on the cobblestones of the path.
Around it, a vast, perfectly tended garden stretched as far as the eye could see — an ocean of roses and lilies in the evening breeze.
Miria looked up, amazed.
"It's… huge," she whispered.
"And that's just the outside," Alix replied, her tone colder than usual.
Two guards, dressed in light, silvery armor, bowed to them before guiding them through a long corridor decorated with ancient tapestries.
Their footsteps echoed softly on the marble, until they reached a large carved door.
The doors opened with a majestic creak, revealing a throne room.
The ceiling was vaulted, supported by onyx columns. At the back, on a platform draped in purple velvet, sat a young woman of disturbing beauty.
She appeared to be barely twenty years old, yet her gaze carried ancient wisdom.
Her deep black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her midnight blue dress sparkled like a starry sky.
"Welcome," she said in a soft but confident voice.
I am Lady Morena. I was waiting for you.
The guards bowed deeply.
— Thank you for your help, she said to them with a kind smile. You can dispose.
The hunters bowed again, then left the room, leaving the two young women facing the mistress of the place.
Morena looked at Alix, an amused glint in her eyes.
— Alix… It's been a long time. You are still so resplendent.
"And you're still just as manipulative," Alix replied in an icy tone.
A slight laugh crossed Morena's lips.
— Always frank. That's what I've always loved about you.
Then his attention turned to Miria, who remained erect despite the slight tension in the air.
—And you must be Miria, right? I've heard so much about you.
The daughter of Darrell, the greatest magician...
"That's right," Miria replied politely, although disturbed to hear her father's name.
Morena nodded slowly, an indecipherable smile at the corner of her lips.
—I always wanted to meet you. There's something...fascinating about you.
Alix frowned. His gaze betrayed fierce distrust.
Morena noticed it immediately.
"Maybe we should talk alone," she suggested softly. If you don't mind, Alix.
A silence hung over the room.
Miria looked at her friend, uncertain.
"I won't be far," Alix finally said with a sigh.
She approached Miria and, passing by her, whispered:
— Beware of her.
Then she walked away, disappearing behind the heavy doors.
Morena motioned for Miria to follow her.
— Come on. Walls sometimes have ears. Let's walk in the gardens instead.
The garden was unreally beautiful.
Magic lanterns floated in the air, casting golden light among the rose bushes.
The scent of flowers filled the air, mingling with the coolness of twilight.
Morena walked slowly, hands clasped behind her back.
— Tell me, Miria… are you okay?
Miria shrugged her shoulders.
— Yes, I suppose. Why this question ?
"Because it is my duty, as guardian of this domain, to watch over the well-being of my people," Morena replied calmly.
And I was told that you were attacked before your arrival.
—Oh, that's nothing. I'm starting to get used to it.
Morena gave a curious smile.
- Really ? After all, last time you didn't have an escort.
"That's true… but Asher was there. And believe me, that was more than enough.
Morena stopped, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
— Asher, the heroic Asher... Did you know that I know him well?
Miria blinked.
- No. He never spoke to me about you.
- Ah good ? That surprises me, replied Morena in a falsely innocent tone.
We were… close, at one time. Very close.
He even told me once that I was the only one who could calm him down when he lost control.
Miria felt a shiver go up her spine, but she tried to keep her composure.
- Really ? He never mentioned that.
"Oh, he's discreet, it's in his nature," said Morena with a little laugh.
But I admit that I'm curious... How is he with you? Still so sweet? Or more… fiery?
Miria looked away, her face slightly red.
— I don't see how that concerns you.
Morena chuckled softly, delighted to have found a loophole.
—Oh, I'm sorry. It's just… I remember him so vividly.
The way he smiles, the way he looks... the scent of his skin.
An unforgettable memory, don't you think?
Miria clenched her fists, hiding her embarrassment under a forced smile.
"Memories are in the past, Lady Morena.
And I live in the present.