#Chapter 3 *secrets *

Later that night, Isha lay in her bed, staring at the ornate ceiling of her room. Moonlight streamed through the tall windows, casting intricate patterns on the walls. Her mind buzzed with the new information and the conversation with her father. Despite his reassurances, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a faint noise. She sat up, listening intently. The sound came again—a soft rustling, as if someone was moving through the corridors. Curious and a little apprehensive, Isha slipped out of bed and wrapped a shawl around her shoulders. She quietly opened her door and peered into the dimly lit hallway.

The mansion was silent, save for the occasional creak of the old wooden floors. Isha followed the sound, her bare feet making no noise on the cold stone. It led her to the library, the very room she had avoided for so long. She hesitated at the door, then pushed it open slightly.

Inside, Ethel stood by a large, ancient tapestry depicting their family crest. He was holding a candle and seemed to be inspecting the wall behind it. Isha's heart raced. What was he doing?

"Ethel?" she called softly.

He turned, startled. "Isha! What are you doing here?"

"I heard something and came to check. What about you?" she asked, stepping into the room.

Ethel hesitated, then sighed. "I suppose there's no harm in telling you now. You’re taking an interest in our family's history, after all." He gestured to the tapestry. "There's a hidden passage behind this. It leads to a chamber where our ancestors have stored important documents and artefacts."

Isha's eyes widened. "Why haven't I heard of this before?"

"Father didn't want you to know. He thought it best to keep some things hidden until the right time. But I think you deserve to see it."

Ethel moved the tapestry aside, revealing a small, hidden door. He pressed a stone in the wall, and the door creaked open. Inside, a narrow staircase spiralled down into darkness. Ethel lit another candle and handed it to Isha.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

Isha nodded, her curiosity overpowering her fear. Together, they descended the stairs, the flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows on the walls. At the bottom, they entered a large chamber filled with ancient scrolls, books, and artifacts. The air was thick with the scent of aged paper and secrets long kept.

Ethel led her to a large, ornate chest. "This contains the true history of our family," he said. "There are things here that Father didn’t want you to know."

Isha’s hands trembled as she held the chest in her arms, opening it, finding inside a set of documents revealing the untold history of the Valtier family - stories of alliances, betrayals, and the true nature of how the Valtier's ruled. over their land. Among the documents were a letter addressed to Duke halric. Isha carefully unfolded the letter, starting to read it aloud.

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