Chapter 51: The Tea of Blood and Familial Bonds.
Chapter 51: The Tea of Blood and Familial Bonds.
With the scroll in hand—an official summon, not by a father, but a superior, Seraphina had no choice but to obey.
The inner sanctum of the Vontell estate was silent—so silent that even the winds dared not whistle through its intricately carved arches.
The path to the Duke's courtyard was long, lined with stone lanterns shaped like lotus blossoms, each burning with a pale, golden flame. The tiles underfoot bore runes carved by monks who had long since turned to ash, glowing faintly with preserved Aether. Statues of twelve-headed beasts said to guard the wise king, lined the walkway like frozen sentinels.
Seraphina walked this path as she had many times before, yet her back remained straight and her expression unreadable, even as her heart slowed its rhythm in anticipation. Her father was the only man who had ever made her heart do that.
At the end of the path, under a vermilion pavilion, sat the Duke of Vontell:
His Grace, Alzakar Vontell.
Unlike his daughter who had three names, he only had two names.
Clad in deep black and bronze robes embroidered with the Imperial Sigil, he reclined on a silken cushion beside a jade tea table. A clay pot steamed gently before him, his fingers carefully pouring its contents into two cups. His silver hair was tied in a long warrior’s knot, and his eyes—eyes darker than oil—watched her like a hawk judging prey.
Around him, the air shimmered. So thick with Aether, it twisted the light, like heat waves rising from sunbaked stone.
Despite this calm scene, the very ground seemed to groan beneath the weight of his presence.
Seraphina stepped into the courtyard and bowed, just enough to show formality—but not submission.