Chapter 61 An Alluring beauty

Words : 695 Updated : Sep 22nd, 2025

Suddenly, as if sensing his presence, she turned her head and locked eyes with him. Jolthar froze. For a moment, the room seemed to be still, the music a distant echo compared to the intensity of her gaze. A slow, sly smile curled her lips, and she raised her goblet slightly, as if in toast. "Jolthar," she called out, her voice low and silky, laced with amusement. "I see you've decided to grace me with your presence." Caught, Jolthar stepped hesitantly into view, his usual bravado faltering under her piercing gaze. She leaned forward slightly, her posture casual yet predatory. "Tell me," she began, her voice teasing, "did you come to gawk at the sights, or..." She trailed off, her smile widening as she took another sip of her wine. "...perhaps you've come to join me?" Jolthar's throat went dry, but he forced a smirk onto his face, masking the turmoil inside. "I was just passing by. Didn't mean to intrude." Her laugh was soft, almost musical. "Intrude? Oh, darling, you don't intrude when you're invited." She gestured toward the mattress with a casual flick of her wrist. "Come, sit. Or... lie down, if you'd prefer." He hesitated, unsure of how to navigate the situation, but before he could respond, she chuckled again and waved dismissively. "Oh, another time perhaps. Tonight, I have no room for strays." Her words were a taunt, but Jolthar caught the subtle challenge in her tone. She was testing him, watching his every reaction. "Take him to his room," she commanded one of the nearby servants, her attention already drifting away. The servant stepped forward, but Jolthar held up a hand, stopping him in his tracks. "Don't bother," Jolthar said, his voice steady, though his heart was racing. "I can find my own way." Unfolding the parchment, Liliana read the letter in silence. Her emerald eyes darted across the words, her expression betraying nothing until she reached the final lines. A small, knowing smile curled her lips. Once finished, she folded the letter, moulding it into a tight ball. As it rested in her palm, it ignited in a burst of controlled flames, burning away without leaving even a trace of ash. "Sey," Liliana said softly, her tone carrying an air of authority, "prepare for our departure. We leave in two days." Sey nodded quickly, already anticipating the flurry of preparations that lay ahead. "Yes, my lady." *** Outside the towering walls of the Baron's manor, the scene was a mixture of emotions and subtle tension. The sun hung low, casting long shadows across the courtyard. Lady Cleora stood tall, her regal demeanour a practiced mask, though the lines at the corners of her lips betrayed her exhaustion. She was flanked by her two children. Nora stood to her mother's right, her arms crossed and her gaze fixed sharply on Jolthar, while Roblan, to Cleora's left, kept his head bowed in silent shame, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. Lady Maena, her presence commanding as ever, approached Cleora with a deliberate grace, her silver black hair glinting faintly in the sunlight. She turned to the Baroness with a measured smile, her eyes briefly scanning the children before addressing Cleora. "Once I have my talks with the clan, we will proceed further about our arrangement," Maena stated, her tone neutral yet laced with a subtle authority that left no room for argument. "Until then, I will take my leave, Lady Cleora." Cleora inclined her head respectfully, the weight of gratitude evident in her movements. "Thank you again, Lady Maena, for bringing my son back safe and sound. Words cannot express my indebtedness to you and your men." Maena waved a gloved hand dismissively, her tone almost dismissive. "A debt of duty, not kindness. Ensure the arrangement proceeds without complications." As Maena's piercing gaze flickered to Jolthar, she hesitated for a moment, her expression unreadable, before she turned sharply on her heel. Her men, clad in their dark matte armour, moved with synchronised precision as they followed her, the rhythmic clinking of their gear echoing in the courtyard.

Chapter 61 An Alluring beauty

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