The grand doors of the castle swung open with a low, resonant creak, like the sigh of ancient stone awakening to my presence.
Elysiana led the way, her steps measured and fluid, the sway of her hips beneath the white skirt a subtle rhythm that drew my eyes despite the awe gripping me.
The entrance hall unfolded around us, a cavernous space of vaulted ceilings lost in shadow, chandeliers of wrought iron dripping with crimson crystals that caught the moonlight filtering through arched windows.
The air was cooler here, laced with the faint scent of aged wood and blooming night jasmine, wrapping around me like a velvet cloak.
Torches flickered in sconces, their unusual white flames, illuminating the entire hall without a single shadow like magic.
We ascended a sweeping staircase, the banister cool under my hand, carved with intricate motifs of thorns and blooming roses that seemed to pulse faintly with inner light.
Elysiana's gloved fingers brushed mine occasionally as she guided me, each touch a spark that lingered on my skin, warm.
'This way, My Lord,' she murmured, her voice a soft caress echoing off the walls.
'This is your room, hope it suits your taste.'
At the top, a heavy oak door loomed, inlaid with silver runes that glowed softly as she approached.
She pushed it open, revealing a luxurious bedroom that stole my breath.
The room was vast, dominated by a four-poster bed draped in silken sheets of deep burgundy, the canopy above woven with threads that shimmered like captured starlight.
A decorative fireplace crackled gently in the corner, its flames licking at logs of fragrant cedar, filling the air with a smoky warmth that chased away the night's chill.
Tapestries adorned the walls. A massive mirror framed in ebony stood against one wall, and beside it, a wardrobe of polished mahogany, its doors ajar to reveal garments folded with precision.
Elysiana turned to me, her blindfolded gaze seeming to pierce straight through, her red halo casting a soft glow on her features.
'Rest well, My Lord,' she said, her tone laced with quiet reverence, like a prayer whispered in the dark.
'The should have been a long exhausting day. I shall excuse myself now, but come morning, I will send the head maid to attend to your every need. She is skilled and devoted—trust in her care.'
I nodded, all of these still feeling so fast and unclear.
She inclined her head, a graceful bow that made her hair cascade like molten rubies.
'It is my honor.' With that, she slipped away, the door closing behind her with a soft click, leaving me enveloped in the room's hushed embrace.
Alone now, the silence settled like a gentle fog, broken only by the distant murmur of waves crashing against the cliffs below.
My gaze fell to the bed, where a neat pile of clothes awaited—soft linen shirts in midnight blue, trousers of supple leather, all tailored to my frame as if measured by unseen hands.
I shed my travel-worn attire, the fabric whispering against my skin as it fell away, revealing the pale expanse of my body marked faintly by the day's rough handling, though
Elysiana's healing had erased the worst. Slipping into the fresh garments felt like stepping into a new skin, the cloth cool and smooth, hugging my form with unexpected comfort.
I dropped onto the mattress, the feathers yielding beneath me like a cloud, sinking me deep into its plush depths.
The sheets were silken against my bare arms, cool at first, then warming to my touch, cradling me in luxury I hadn't known. Exhaustion tugged at my limbs, heavy and insistent, but my mind raced, replaying the chaos of the forest—the clash of steel, the burn of light magic, Elysiana's descent like a dream I could wake up any moment now
What a rough day, I thought, staring at the canopy above, its threads twinkling faintly. The weight of it all pressed down, from the chase through the humid woods to the searing pain of wounds now gone.
I remembered the system, that ethereal guide flickering in my vision during the fray.
'System,' I whispered into the quiet,
'Status?'
Nothing. No holographic glow, no mechanical chime. Just the crackle of the fire and the steady rhythm of my breath.
I let out a sigh, long and weary, the sound swallowed by the room's vastness.
My thoughts drifted to Lia,—her bright laughter in our old world, now trapped here in this twisted realm.
Her panicked strikend face haunted me, wide eyes full of trust, small hands clutching mine.
'Lia... how did you end up in this madness?'The ache in my chest sharpened, a fierce protectiveness blooming.
'I'll save you,' I murmured to the empty air, clenching the sheets in my fist.
'Just wait for me, Lia. Brother's coming.'
The vow hung there, a promise etched into the night, and slowly, the warmth of the bed lulled me under.
My eyelids grew heavy, the fire's glow fading to embers in my vision, and sleep claimed me, deep and dreamless, the sea's lullaby whispering through the cracks.
*****
Morning light filtered through heavy velvet curtains, a soft silver glow that painted the room in hues of pearl and shadow. I stirred, the sheets tangled around my legs like reluctant to let go, it's silk sliding against my skin.
A knocking echoed—polite, insistent—pulling me from the haze of slumber.
I pushed myself up to a sitting position, the mattress shifting with a muffled sigh, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
'Come in,' I called, my voice rough with disuse while rubbing my eyes.
The door opened with graceful ease, and stepped in a beauty oof poised elegance.
She was a pinkish-red haired beauty, the strands cascading in loose waves.
Her attire was a masterpiece of gothic allure—a black maid dress adorned with red ribbons that tied in delicate bows, hugging her form with a laced leather-style corset that cinched her waist, accentuating the gentle curve of her hips.
The red plaid skirt flared slightly, ending mid-thigh, edged with black lace that teased the eye.
A red lace headpiece nestled in her hair, and atop her head rose a pair of small but majestic dark red horns, curving elegantly like a crown of twilight.
She moved with calm seduction, each step measured, her presence filling the room with a subtle, intoxicating vibe.
She bowed slightly, the motion fluid and deferential, her skirt rustling softly.
'Greetings, Great Apostle,' she said, her voice smooth as honey, carrying a melodic tilt that sent a shiver down my spine.
'I am Nyami, The Head Maid of the Mooncrest Palace. Lady Elysiana has sent me to attend to your needs this morning.'
I blinked, taking her in, the way the corset's laces pulled taut across her chest, hinting at the softness beneath.
'Nyami... it's nice to meet you. What, uh, needs are we talking about?'
Her lips curved in a subtle smile, poised and inviting.
'Whatever you require, My Lord. To start, shall I prepare a bath for you? The waters here are infused with restorative essences, perfect for easing your muscles.'
The offer hung in the air, warm and welcoming.
'Yes, that sounds good. Thank you.'
With a nod, she glided toward the adjoining bathroom, her heels clicking faintly on the marble.
Soon, the sound of water filled the space—a steady cascade hitting the floor, like rain on silk, accompanied by the faint splash of steam rising.
The air grew humid, carrying hints of lavender and something earthier, like fresh rain on stone.
I swung my legs over the bed's edge, stretching my arms overhead, feeling the pull in my muscles, the satisfying ache of renewal.
The room's air hit my skin as I stood, cool and crisp, invigorating. Padding to the mirror, I muttered to myself,
'Let's see how I look now... after all that.'
The reflection stared back—a young man on the cusp of adolescence, mid-teen in appearance, with slightly long dark black hair falling in tousled waves over my forehead, framing a face that looks like it has 'Nerd' issues.
My eyes were a shade of night blue, deep and fathomless, holding secrets like hidden stars.
I reached up, tugging at the collar of my shirt, then pulled it off over my head, the fabric slipped away.
Beneath, my body was slender, like that of an average youth—lean lines without bulk, skin pale and smooth. I traced a hand over my chest, where Elandor's blade had carved deep yesterday; now, nothing lingered, healed fully by Elysiana's magic, the skin taut and unmarred, tingling under my fingertips.
I leaned closer, about to touch the mirror's cool surface, when Nyami appeared beside me, silent as a shadow. She was a little taller than me, her presence commanding yet gentle; I had to tilt my head up to meet her gaze, those eyes a warm amber that sparkled with quiet intelligence.
'The bath is ready, My Lord, she said softly, her breath carrying a faint floral note.