Chapter 35

The House of Umbra, nestled at the upper foot of the mountain, was a testament to Aleric's unwavering dedication to rebuilding the estates that had been lost to the ruins of Vahlkiro. As Ysabel and Lilah approached the mansion, Ysabel's preconceived notions of a treacherous path were shattered. Instead, the winding road was surprisingly well-maintained, allowing carriages and carts to traverse it with ease.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the scenery unfolded like a canvas of vibrant colors. Towering trees, their trunks robust and gnarled, stretched towards the sky, their leaves rustling softly in the gentle breeze. The air was alive with the sweet songs of birds and the soft chirping of insects, creating a symphony of sounds that was both soothing and invigorating.

Ysabel's gaze roamed freely, drinking in the breathtaking beauty of the forest. Unlike any other woodland she had encountered, this one seemed to pulsate with a life of its own, as if the very trees themselves were welcoming her arrival.

As they journeyed further, the remnants of a once-thriving civilization began to emerge from the underbrush. Abandoned houses, their walls cracked and crumbling, stood as testaments to a long-forgotten era. Trees had claimed these structures as their own, their roots snaking through the rubble like nature's own reclamation project.

Larger buildings, their stone façades cloaked in vines and moss, loomed like sentinels, guarding secrets of a bygone age. Ysabel's imagination ran wild as she envisioned the lives of those who had once called this place home – a civilization that had coexisted with nature, their lives intertwined with the land itself.

The mansion, surrounded by a sturdy wall of giant wood logs, came into view, its gate reminiscent of the one at Dydilah. Lilah's voice broke the silence, "This is the estate where Aleric and the others resided."

The gate swung open, admitting them without the need for announcement or introduction. It was as if their presence had been expected, and Ysabel felt a shiver run down her spine as she wondered who might be watching from the shadows.

As they entered the estate, Ysabel was struck by the sheer scale of the front lawn. Though barren of decorative elements, the expansive space seemed to stretch on forever, rivaling the grandeur of Tyverah itself.

The mansion's façade took her breath away. Four towering pillars, adorned with intricate carvings of acanthus leaves and scrollwork, flanked the majestic entrance. The pillars supported a grand pediment, emblazoned with the crest Ysabel had seen on Aleric's armored breastplate.

The entrance doors, crafted from solid mahogany, boasted raised panels and ornate hinges. Heavy bronze door handles, shaped like dragons' heads, gleamed in the sunlight, while a large, ornate knocker in the form of a snarling dragon seemed to guard the entrance.

A man, dignified and poised, emerged from the foot of the stairs, his eyes fixed on Lilah and Ysabel. "I've informed Master Aleric of your arrival. He will receive you shortly."

With a respectful bow, the man waited for Ysabel and Lilah to dismount from the carriage.

"Thank you, Harrow,"

Lilah replied, as the butler nodded and took the carriage, leading the horses away.

Just then, the large double doors swung open, revealing Aleric, resplendent in a simple yet elegant white tunic and black pants tucked into his boots. Ysabel's eyes darted to the ground, her cheeks flushing as she struggled to tear her gaze away from Aleric's chiseled features.

Lilah snickered, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I see you've prepared."

Aleric rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Forgive me for not dressing grandly for this fine occasion. As a humble man, I'm not accustomed to such luxury."

With a gallant gesture, Aleric invited them to enter. "If you please, come this way, m'ladies."

Ysabel giggled at Aleric's affected humility, while Lilah muttered under her breath, "Humble man, be damned."