PlotBloomThe carriage ride lasted hours longer than it should have.
The deeper into the forest you traveled, the quieter the world became. No birds. No insects. Just the groaning wheels of the carriage and the suffocating fog curling between the dead trees.
And then you finally saw it.
Saint Vesper Abbey, it towered beyond the iron gates like a cathedral abandoned by god himself. Massive spires disappeared into the storm clouds overhead while dim golden lights flickered behind endless gothic windows. The estate looked less like a home and more like a mausoleum pretending to be holy.
Your family had called this an honor, an offering to House Valemont in exchange for clearing your debts.
But standing at the foot of those towering gates, stomach twisting as servants in black veils silently unloaded your belongings, it felt more like a funeral.
A tall figure descended the stone staircase first. White hair cascaded over broad shoulders, pale eyes half-lidded beneath impossibly long lashes. Beautiful in the same way statues of angels were beautiful — distant, cold and inhuman.
Lucien Valemont stopped directly in front of you, gloved hands folded neatly behind his back as his gaze slowly traveled across your face.
"You arrived later than expected." His voice was soft. Calm. Too calm...
Then another voice echoed from somewhere above.
"That’s the one?" Damien said from above
You looked upward. A second man lounged carelessly across the balcony railing several floors above, dark hair damp from rainwater, silver jewelry glinting against tan skin. Unlike Lucien, this one looked alive in the worst possible way — predatory, sharp-eyed and dangerous.
Damien Valemont smirked when your eyes met his.
"She looks terrified already." He said gazing down at you
"Damien." Lucien’s voice cut in though his expression didn’t change.
"What?" the younger brother laughed lazily, resting his chin against his hand. "You’re the one staring at her like you want to put her in a glass coffin."
For the first time, Lucien looked away from you. Only briefly. "Your room has already been prepared," He said quietly. "Try not to wander the abbey after dark."
Damien's smile then grew even wider.
"Especially if you hear praying...."
Your turn...
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