Chapter 36

Ysabel had never witnessed such grandeur. Sydren's castle, where she worked, was familiar territory, but her duties kept her confined to the kitchen, a world away from the opulent halls she now explored. The House of Umbra, seemingly unremarkable from the outside, unveiled an interior that stole her breath. Awe and fascination warred within her as she took in the breathtaking scene.

Her gaze was immediately drawn upwards to the majestic staircase, a masterpiece of craftsmanship. It curved gracefully, each step a testament to the skill of its creators. Intricately carved balusters, like frozen lace, supported the polished mahogany handrail, inviting a touch. The stairs ascended to a spacious landing, dominated by a stunning chandelier that showered the foyer below in a warm, golden light.

The foyer itself was a symphony of elegance. Marble floors gleamed underfoot, reflecting the light from the chandelier and the numerous ornate mirrors that adorned the walls. Intricate moldings traced the soaring ceiling, a testament to meticulous artistry. Paintings, their subjects lost in the shadows, and rich tapestries hung between the mirrors, adding layers of texture and depth to the opulent space. The air hummed with a silent energy, a display of wealth contained within these walls.

"You've finally taken Harrow's suggestion to design this place,"

Lilah remarked, her gaze sweeping across the surroundings with a knowing smile.

Aleric, a hint of weariness in his voice, replied.

"Well, this is the only remaining building that can accommodate our future guests. I tried my best to make it welcoming."

Ysabel, lost in the beauty of her surroundings, could only murmur,

"It is truly beautiful."

Her eyes wandering from one exquisite detail to another as they walked.

Aleric, noticing her quiet admiration, offered a simple,

"That's good to hear."

He paused before a large double door, its surface gleaming like polished obsidian. With a gentle push, he opened it, revealing a cozy, open hall bathed in the warm light of a crackling fireplace and gentle sunlight from the lined big windows. The air was thick with the scent of woodsmoke and something subtly sweet, perhaps spiced wine.

As the men already gathered within turned to look at them, Ysabel instinctively moved closer to Lilah, seeking the comfort of her friend's presence. Recognition and a mixture of confusion flickered across their faces.

"Come, Ysabel," Lilah said, taking Ysabel's hand and leading her into the hall. The warmth of Lilah's hand was a grounding presence amidst the sudden shift in atmosphere.

Within the hall, Ysabel recognized several faces from her time in Dydilah: Elvin and Hector, who acknowledged her with nods, and the man with two different-colored eyes, whose scowl sent a shiver down her spine. His gaze was unsettling, intense, and openly hostile.

One, a burly figure with a scarred face and arms thick with muscle, sat hunched over a large wooden table, his gaze fixed on something in his hands. Another, thinner and wiry, paced restlessly near the fireplace, his hands clasped behind his back. The air crackled with unspoken words and simmering resentment.

"What is an outsider doing here?"

The burly man with the scarred face growled, his voice rough and gravelly. Despite the casual tone, Ysabel felt a chill run down her spine, as if a bucket of ice water had been thrown in her face.

Lilah, her voice sharp and unwavering, responded.

"Her name's Ysabel, and she's under my wing. Do we have a problem with that?" Her words were a direct challenge, a gauntlet thrown down.

"Gren—"

Aleric's voice cut through the tension, his tone sharper than before, instantly drawing the attention of the other men. He only spoke the one name, but the effect was immediate and palpable.

"Ysabel is part of Tyverah now. That means she's our people, too."

"She's from Sydren,"

The man with the mismatched eyes countered, his gaze lingering on Ysabel, as if assessing her worth or threat level.

"She no longer is!"

Lilah hissed, her eyes blazing with barely contained fury.

Hector intervened,

"Indeed, she is from Sydren, but Aleric has made a decision, and his word is law. If Aleric says so, then we simply follow."

"But—"

Another man began, but Aleric silenced him with a decisive gesture.

"We have discussed this matter, and it's over."

Aleric stated, his voice firm and unwavering.

"The reason they are here is not for inquisition. This meeting holds far greater importance. If anyone thinks otherwise, they may leave this hall."

His eyes swept across the assembled men, lingering on each face. Seeing no dissent, he added, "Then shall we begin?"

His arms crossed over his chest, his posture radiating an unwavering resolve. The weight of his authority settled upon the room, silencing any further objections.