Chapter 57: Ghost in Valerius Manor
The aroma of spiced tea and sweet vanilla cake lingered in the luxurious sitting room as servants silently withdrew, closing the oak door with a soft click that felt louder than it should.
The fire in the marble hearth crackled gently, casting golden light over velvet couches, polished walnut tables, and shelves lined with leather-bound books that Hannah had only ever seen in the grandest abandoned manors.
Hannah and Bart were led to the sofa on one side of the tea table, Sister Mary settling between them.
Across from them sat Lord Valerius, rigid and dignified, and Lord Theron, calm and watchful, his posture that of a noble who knew how to defuse conflict before it exploded.
Mike and Mimi had been shown to guest chambers to rest, exhausted from the chaos in the market square earlier that day.
Floating invisibly beside Hannah's shoulder, Ren drifted lazily through the air, his camouflage magic holding strong.
