Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 26760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
I’d always been told that each of the Triad Four had a symbol that characterized the traits and lineage of their respective families. It wasn’t something I’d ever bothered looking into, because it didn’t have anything to do with me. I deeply regretted that now. Ignorance in this situation was not bliss. It was sheer stupidity. Soon, the unmistakable wrought iron gates of the Maelstrom estate appeared before us, bearing the emblematic crest of a dragon.
They silently swung open to grant us entry.
A cobblestone driveway stretched ahead, lined with intimidating statues of mythological creatures. On either side, manicured gardens flaunted exotic flowers in a myriad of colors. The mansion itself was an imposing sight. It looked more like a palace, perched on a cliff with the tumultuous sea below as its backdrop. Made of dark stone and a blend of modern architecture, it had a classy gothic design.
It was adorned with balconies, spires, and stained-glass windows that captured the light in an ethereal dance. An expansive courtyard that lay ahead boasted a fountain, but what caught my attention was the unusual dark crimson water it spewed, a macabre yet fascinating sight. As the estate's grandeur became increasingly apparent, a coldness spread through my body.
“What is it you want from me?” My voice wavered slightly, betraying the unease I felt.
“What any man would want from a beautiful and intelligent woman,” he replied smoothly.
Beautiful and intelligent? If I were truly smart, I wouldn't be in this mess. Before I could press him further, he brought the car to a smooth stop in the roundabout.
“You were searching for a new place to live,” Aidoneus said, tilting his head with an amused smile. “Welcome to your new home, Vasira.”
“Home?” I echoed. Then it dawned on me. “You’re the reason my rental application was denied.”
“Denied is a harsh word. I simply made sure you didn’t settle for something mediocre.”
I glanced out of the window to find an impeccable line of staff, their postures straight and faces neutral, awaiting our arrival. Their black uniforms lined with threads of silver were pristine, each garment echoing the dark elegance of the estate. It was as if they were lined up for the arrival of royalty. As Aidoneus's door opened and he stepped out, I remembered that's exactly what he was.
CHAPTER FIVE
A tall, distinguished-looking man opened my door. Stepping out, I was momentarily speechless, taking in the estate from outside the car. Aidoneus approached, extending a hand which I hesitantly took. With his grip both comforting and possessive, he led me up a set of wide stone stairs that culminated in grand wooden doors. They parted with the assistance of two men also wearing a staff uniform.
The opulence inside surpassed the exterior. Sparkling chandeliers dangled high above, their reflections playing on the polished marble floors below. Exquisite rugs with threads of gold and silver adorned the ground. The solemn faces of Triad deities gazed at me from their perches on the walls. Another lineup of staff members watched us with keen interest.
“Is everyone present, Cael?” he asked the tall man who had opened my car door.
“Yes, Kyrios.”
“Good.” Drawing a breath, Aidoneus surveyed the room.
“You all know what this day means, and the significance of the woman beside me. Now, you can put a face to the name you’ve heard so often. Korinna Hearst. My betrothed and your future Elysian.”
The weight of his words nearly bowled me over. Betrothed? Elysian? My mind raced with questions, but a stern look from him silenced me. With fluid grace, he switched to the lilting tones of the Vercretan language, leaving me lost amidst its unfamiliar sounds. He turned back to me and gestured for a few elegantly attired women to step forward, their heads slightly bowed as a sign of respect.
“These are your Lysari. Follow them, and they will assist you in getting ready.”
“Ready for what?” I asked, my voice a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
“For one of the best nights of your life.” Aidoneus leaned in, his eyes locking onto mine with an intense, possessive gaze. He placed a fleeting kiss on my cheek, his touch both commanding and intimate.
With one last order in Vercretan, he turned and departed through the doors we’d just entered, leaving me standing amidst the overwhelming grandeur and a group of strangers. I’d never felt so on display in my life, not even when I transitioned from homeschooling to an academy where half the student body had grown up together. I was relieved when a kind-faced woman, older and with a demeanor that radiated authority, stepped forward.
“Greetings, Miss. I am Meridith, head of the Lysaria.” Following her introduction, the other women chimed in with their names, each nodding politely in my direction. “How about we get you cleaned up?” Without waiting for a reply, Meridith gently took my arm and began leading me away from the foyer.