Chapter 14 : Shadows of Deceit

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long, dancing shadows across the room, the DeLuca family gathered in Eldridge's office.

The tension in the air was palpable, a thick, suffocating blanket that seemed to weigh heavily on everyone present.

Today they had an attack on their daughters without his knowledge that the enemy had entered their home and tried to harm them. Their home was highly protected even then the enemy was able to enter. Ge needed to involve his brother in this matter if someone is gunning for the Royal Family, the enemy is a no joke.

He whipped out his cell phone and called his brother. He never wanted to involve him in small matters but now this matter has become a threat to the Royal Family. After a few rings, his brother picked up the phone.

“Hello, brother,” came the deep, steady voice from the other end.

“Eldrin, it’s urgent,” he said, his heart racing. “We have a problem—one that could shake the very foundations of our kingdom even in the world.”

“What kind of problem?” Eldrin’s tone shifted, a mix of concern and authority. "

“today there was a planned attack on my daughter and her best friend who were living with us ” he replied, glancing around the dimly lit room as if shadows might be listening. “One of our own guards was possed by some creature which happened to be seen as an oily creature and threatened both of them and on the way it killed the guard.

There was a pause on the line, and he could almost hear Eldrin’s thoughts churning. “An oily creature, Did you see it.

I am sorry to say but no, but my daughter ,except her and Elias every other person was under some kind of Spell ' He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.

We still don't know how they entered the mansion without triggering the barriers.

“Damn it,” Eldrin muttered. “We can’t let this fester. We need to act quickly."

Are you alone right now " He asked with caution.

Eldrin with a suspicion in his tone " Why yes I am what more has happened "

"First go to your room and place a silencing spell" He asked his brother to follow what he was saying.'' Did you do it "

"Yes I did "Eldrin was getting impatient.

"Well... I want you to know that Bellaire's best friend is.... The last survivor of Luviton Family '" he then held his breath.

"What!!! Aldrin shouted at the phone.

Aldrin started laughing" Tell me you are joking "

"Do you think I am joking" he asked him.

Aldrin sighed no so what should we do

I was planning to let the girls continue their studies.

“Are you sure that’s wise? It could expose her further,” he cautioned.

“Wise? No. Necessary? Yes. If we don’t confront this head-on, we risk everything—our family, our people.” Eldridge's voice was resolute, . “And if they think they can undermine us without consequences, they’re gravely mistaken.

“Then we prepare for battle,” Eldrin replied, a fierce edge creeping into his tone. “We’ll send a message: we are not to be trifled with. The Royal Family has faced threats before, and we will rise against this one as well. And Mia Luviton is under the protection of our family. Harming her means harming a Royal member.Though try to keep her name and this information out of the documents you will be sending me it's better to not let people know about her .”

“Understood,” he said, feeling a surge of adrenaline course through him. I know better than writing it in the documents.i will try to make a fake surname for her so she can have a bit of freedom.”

“Yes, do that and let me know if you need something.Stay vigilant, brother. Trust no one outside our circle,” Eldrin warned before hanging up.

As he pocketed his phone, he felt the weight of their lineage pressing down on him. The kingdom was at stake, and their enemies were lurking in the shadows, ready to strike. The game was on, and he would do everything in his power to protect his family.

After his call he looked at both the girls who were trying to look brave but are still scared.

"Listen,” he said, his voice steady but gentle. “I know you’re scared, but I promise you, we will get to the bottom of this. You’re safe here.”

Just as he spoke, the door creaked open, and Butler Elis entered, his expression grave. “My Lord, the old library is prepared for your visit.

Suddenly Butler Elis came through the door "my Lord the old library is prepared for the visit though I must advise caution. The library holds many secrets, and some are best left undisturbed.

Eldridge turned his attention back to Bellaire and Mia, both of whom were trying to mask their fear with brave faces. He could see the tremors in their hands and the flicker of uncertainty in their eyes. The weight of the situation pressed down on him, and he felt a surge of protectiveness.

Eldridge nodded, grateful for the warning but resolute. “Thank you, Elis. We need answers, and the old library may hold the key.”

With a swift motion, he gestured for the girls to follow him. “Come on; let’s see what we can uncover.”

As they made their way through the dimly lit corridors of the mansion, Eldridge's mind raced with possibilities. What could be lurking in those dusty tomes of knowledge ? Old family records, forgotten spells, perhaps even warnings about threats that had plagued the forgotten lineage before. He is a bookkeeper of their family but he himself has never went there as he was busy locating other information which were lost. After his marriage his wife even kept some of her own Senential books there so they would rest there.

Upon reaching the library, he pushed open the heavy wooden doors. The scent of aged parchment filled the air, mingling with the faint mustiness that clung to the shelves. Rows upon rows of books towered above them like ancient sentinels guarding untold knowledge. The smell made him so nostalgic , he started reminiscing the past when he just started to work on his role

Eldridge began to look through the old family records, pulling out volumes that looked as though they hadn’t been touched in decades.“There has to be something in here that can shed some light on this,” he muttered, his voice barely audible over the rustling of papers.

Bellaire and Mia exchanged glances, their earlier bravado fading as they watched Eldridge sift through the dusty pages. The flickering candlelight cast shadows that danced ominously across the room, amplifying the tension.

He continued flipping through records until one particular tome caught his eye. The cover was worn, and the title was nearly faded.

“Here it is,”

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