Chapter 306: Warm Embrace of the Castle
The air outside was frigid, yet the snow remained elusive, giving the castle an otherworldly glow as lanterns and candles flickered, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls.
Within the sitting room, the residents had sought solace from the chill, gathering around the crackling fireplace.
Leela’s discontentment was palpable as she clung to Ezra, his body radiating a comforting heat. "I wish I could stay cocooned in my blanket all day," she grumbled softly, her breath visible in the chilled air. Ezra’s arm tightened around her, a silent gesture of understanding.
Ezra’s usually vibrant eyes held a somber look, his attention divided between Leela and the thoughts that weighed on his mind – the mer girl who had stirred a melancholy within him. He absentmindedly stroked Leela’s hair, a silent reassurance that he was there, even if his thoughts were elsewhere.
On the other side of the room, Annalise nestled closer to Damien, seeking refuge from the persistent cold that seemed to penetrate even her warmest attire. She leaned into his embrace, her voice a soft murmur as she confessed her lingering chill. "I can’t shake off this cold, Damien," she admitted, her tone tinged with frustration.
Damien’s concern was evident as he pulled Annalise closer, his warm hand caressing her cheek. "Are you alright, Princess?" he inquired, his gaze searching hers for any sign of discomfort. Her nod was small but telling, prompting a concerned furrow in his brow.
A collective gasp rippled through the room as brilliant lines of fire suddenly traced their way across the walls, floor, and ceiling, transforming the space in an instant. The chill was banished, replaced by a soothing warmth that enveloped them like a gentle embrace. The castle had responded to Annalise’s discomfort, altering its very essence to ensure her comfort.
Amidst their astonishment, the residents exchanged glances, a mixture of surprise and wonder in their eyes. "Did the castle just... change its temperature?" Leela ventured, her disbelief mirrored by the others.
Ezra’s lips curved into a faint smile, his attention momentarily diverted from his inner turmoil. "It seems Lady Annalise’s home is quite attuned to her needs," he mused, his voice holding a note of amazement.
With the cold banished and a newfound sense of comfort settling in, the group decided to make the most of the moment. Laughter and chatter filled the room as they settled into cozy corners, sipping on warm tea that seemed to taste even better in the castle’s newfound warmth.
As the minutes turned to hours, worries and troubles were momentarily set aside, replaced by a shared sense of camaraderie and contentment. The castle had orchestrated an unexpected reprieve, a respite from the chill that had threatened to seep into their spirits.