Chapter 77: Hours Before the Party (2)
The volume was heavy. The pages were thick, and yellowed, carrying the scent of ink and old paper. The illustrations were colorful, hand-drawn by some ancient artist, depicting the creatures within their natural habitats.
His violet eyes gleamed. He opened to the first section.
Beasts of the Gray Mountains.
Three-Tailed Wolf.
Inhabitant of the highest regions of the Gray Mountains.
A territorial hunter. Extremely intelligent. Capable of coordinating attacks in groups.
"Packs led by a Three-Tailed Wolf rarely fail in their hunts."
Lukas paused for a few seconds.
The illustration depicted a majestic creature. Silver-gray fur, golden eyes glowing like embers. Three long tails swayed behind its muscular body, each ending in a white tip.
Beneath the image was a note written in smaller letters.
"Symbol of House Dmond of the Kingdom of Rhyne. Represents loyalty, strength, and leadership."
Lukas smiled faintly. He continued reading.
...
Scarlet Rock Bear.
Inhabitant of the volcanic regions of the Kingdom of Ferros.
It could reach over four meters in height. Its thick hide contained minerals capable of enduring extreme heat.
"Even experienced knights avoid direct confrontations."
Lukas imagined a giant bear covered in gleaming stones, walking across lava.
...
Mist Serpent.
Found in the Swamps of Velmor.
Its venom caused hallucinations before death. It possessed translucent scales that made it difficult to detect.
"Many victims willingly walked toward their own deaths."
He felt a chill run down his spine.
...
Griffin of the Golden Plains.
Native to the Kingdom of Solaria.
An aerial predator. A mixture of lion and eagle. Capable of carrying adult horses during flight.
"Nests must never be disturbed."
The illustration depicted a magnificent creature, with the muscular body of a lion, the head and wings of an eagle, and enormous talons.
...
Crystal Monkey.
Found within the forests of Elaris.
Small. Agile. Extremely intelligent. Used enchanted stones as tools.
"Organized groups have been observed carrying out simple ambushes."
Lukas widened his eyes.
"Monkeys using strategies?"
"Incredible."
...
Black Sand Scorpion.
Inhabitant of the Desert of Narak.
Its stinger contained a paralyzing venom. It could remain buried for days while waiting for prey.
"Caravans cross Narak only with specialized escorts."
...
Lukas turned more pages.
Each creature seemed more fascinating than the last.
He read about giant birds capable of tearing trees from the ground with their talons. Subterranean beasts that dug tunnels beneath entire cities. Marine predators that attacked ships on the open sea. Creatures capable of manipulating mana, launching fireballs, creating shields of ice, and blending into their surroundings.
Time disappeared. Hours passed without him noticing.
He turned another page. And another. And another.
Then...
"Lukas!"
He nearly jumped off the sofa at the sudden sound.
Aurora was laughing. Judite too.
"By the gods!" Lukas exclaimed, placing a hand over his chest, his heart racing.
"When did you get here?"
"A few minutes ago," Aurora replied, still laughing.
"You didn’t even notice."
Lukas looked around. The light streaming through the window had changed completely.
The sun was already beginning to descend.
"Is it already this late?"
Judite crossed her arms, wearing an expression that clearly said, I told you so.
"You were frighteningly focused."
Aurora smiled.
"It’s time for us to start getting ready."
Lukas closed the book immediately.
Shortly afterward, Clavor returned to the inn.
"Perfect," Aurora said.
"Everyone is here."
Then the real battle began. Preparing the Dmond family.
Aurora started with Judite.
She carefully brushed her daughter’s brown hair, undoing the tangles with a dark wooden comb. She fastened delicate pale-blue ribbons at the sides, creating small braids that rested upon her shoulders.
She placed a small silver necklace around her neck, a flower-shaped pendant with a tiny blue gemstone at its center. Then came the newly purchased earrings, small and discreet, gleaming beneath the light.
Judite twirled in front of the mirror, her pale-blue dress spinning around her.
"Do I look pretty?"
"Very," Aurora replied.
Next came Clavor’s turn. The swordsman tried to escape.
"I don’t need all of this..."
"Sit down," Aurora ordered with a serious expression.
Clavor sat down.
Aurora combed his brown hair, smoothing the unruly strands. She adjusted the collar of his formal tunic.
She straightened his clothing, the black tunic and the blue cloak bearing the Dmond crest embroidered across the chest.
In the end, Clavor looked exactly like what he was. An imposing man. Strong. Respectable.
But now, he also looked like a true noble.
Then Aurora turned toward Lukas.
"Sit down."
Lukas obeyed.
Delicate fingers passed through his white hair.
Aurora carefully combed it, separating the strands and smoothing the rebellious locks. She adjusted his deep-blue tunic, pulled down the sleeves, fixed the collar, and straightened the folds. She corrected small imperfections and adjusted the bone buttons.
Finally, she took the wolf pendant from the drawer. The symbol of House Dmond. The silver gleamed beneath the light.
And she placed it around her son’s neck.
"There."
Lukas stepped closer to the mirror. He studied his reflection.
Hair as white as snow. Deep violet eyes. Delicate features, almost feminine, yet carrying a restrained strength within them. Elegant, discreet, noble clothing.
He sighed.
’Damn.’
’I really am handsome.’
He stroked his chin, imitating a gesture he had seen nobles perform in books.
"I could be kidnapped for being this handsome."
Judite burst into laughter.
"You idiot!"
But then she looked at him once again.
"You really are very handsome."
She tilted her head.
"Am I pretty too?"
Lukas smiled and answered.
"Very pretty."
Judite beamed.
Finally, it was Aurora’s turn.
The two men of the family and Judite remained seated on the sofa, watching.
Aurora carefully brushed her long white hair, pinning it into an elegant low bun. She prepared her jewelry, silver earrings, a simple necklace, and delicate bracelets. She put on the elegant dark-blue dress adorned with silver details.
The fabric was rich and heavy, falling in perfect folds around her body.
When she finished... the room fell silent.
Lukas sighed once again.
His mother was truly beautiful. He doubted he would find another woman as beautiful in this world. Pale skin, violet eyes, white hair... she looked as though she had stepped out of a fairy tale.
He glanced toward Clavor.
His father was not unattractive. He had strong features, and the scar across his cheek gave him a dangerous and appealing aura.
But... even so. The old man had been incredibly lucky.
Aurora noticed their stares. She raised an eyebrow.
"What is it?"
The three of them immediately looked away.
Aurora smiled.
"It would be nice if Asmon were here with us too."
Longing naturally surfaced in her voice. Judite nodded.
"I miss my brother."
"So do I," Lukas said.
"But he’ll return soon. Only a few more years remain. Once he finishes his studies at the academy."
Aurora smiled softly.
"Yes. I can hardly wait to see our family reunited again."
The silence that followed was comfortable. Warm. Familiar.
Then Clavor stood up.
"It’s time."
Everyone nodded.
They left the room. They descended the inn’s staircase. Boots and shoes echoed against the wooden steps.
Outside...
The sun was beginning to disappear beyond the horizon. The sky had taken on shades of orange and gold.
The Dmond carriage awaited before the entrance. Impeccable.
The decorative ribbons swayed gently in the wind. The horses, their manes groomed and harnesses adjusted, neighed softly in impatience. The coachman was already in position, the reins held firmly in his hands. Ready.
Lukas raised his eyes toward the sky. His heart quickened.
’My first party in this world. Other nobles. Hark Castle. The Great Rock.’
With an eager smile, he climbed into the carriage beside his family.
The coachman cracked the whip. The horses surged forward. The journey to the castle was about to begin.
