Chapter 5: A Meeting with Shadows
The sun was setting as Evelina, Alaric, and Delythena made their way through the winding streets toward the grand estate of Alaric’s parents. The towering trees lining the path swayed in the evening breeze, casting long shadows over the road. Evelina’s thoughts churned with questions, each more pressing than the last.
Evelina Valerius/ Orion (FL)
(whispering) “Do you think Alaric’s parents really know something about my family?”
Delythena glanced at her foster daughter, her face lined with concern.
Delythena Orion(FL foster mom)
“They might. His family has been around for generations. They’ve always had strong ties with... well, everyone. It’s worth trying.”
Alaric walked beside them, his silence unusual but heavy with unspoken thoughts. He had always been the one to protect Evelina, but now it seemed that danger was closing in on them both, and neither knew how to stop it.
As they arrived at the estate, Evelina was struck by its sheer size and elegance. The gates creaked open slowly as a servant ushered them inside, and the air felt thick with tension as they stepped into the grand foyer.
Alaric Orion (FLs foster brother)
(softly) “I’ll speak to my parents first, make sure they’re ready to see you.”
He disappeared into a side room, leaving Evelina and Delythena waiting in the marble hall. Evelina’s heart thudded in her chest, the atmosphere both overwhelming and foreboding. After what felt like an eternity, Alaric reappeared, his face unreadable.
Alaric Orion (FLs foster brother)
“They’ll see us now.”
Evelina swallowed her nerves and followed him into the large sitting room, where Alaric’s parents stood. His father, Lord Cedric Orion, a tall, imposing figure with sharp eyes, and his mother, Lady Seraphina Orion, a more graceful but equally commanding presence, regarded her with quiet intensity.
Lord Cedric Orion (Alric dad)
“So, this is Evelina Orion.”
Lord Cedric Orion (Alric dad)
His voice carried the weight of knowledge, as if her name alone opened doors long closed. Evelina shifted under his gaze, but nodded.
Evelina Valerius/ Orion (FL)
“Yes. I—”
Before she could finish, Lady Seraphina stepped forward, her eyes softer but no less curious.
[Lady Seraphina(Alric mom)
“Your parents... they were good people, but they held many secrets. You might not be ready to hear all of them.”
Evelina’s breath caught. She had expected something vague, but now, standing in front of Alaric’s parents, she felt the weight of her family’s past bearing down on her.
Evelina Valerius/ Orion (FL)
(determined) “I need to know. Please.”
Lord Cedric and Lady Seraphina exchanged a look, as if deciding whether to reveal what they knew. Finally, Lord Cedric sighed and spoke.
Lord Cedric Orion (Alric dad)
“Your family, the Orions, were involved in something much bigger than anyone knew. Their disappearance... it wasn’t an accident. There were forces—powerful ones—at play.”
Evelina’s stomach dropped, fear creeping up her spine.
Evelina Valerius/ Orion (FL)
“Forces? What do you mean?”
Before he could respond, the doors burst open, and a servant rushed in, breathless.
Servant: “Master, someone has arrived at the gate. They claim to have urgent news about the Orion family.”
A wave of dread washed over the room as Evelina realized that whoever had come might have answers—but at what cost?
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