Chapter 21
As morning broke over the Obrechtz estate, golden light seeped over the fortified walls, transforming them from imposing sentinels to shimmering ramparts. The sun's gentle rays danced across the manicured gardens, where birds sang in harmonious waves, their melodies intertwining with the sweet scent of rosevine and frost-lilies carried on the soft breeze. The Obrechtz winter courtyards, once bathed in moonlight's silvery glow, now basked in the warm, golden hues of dawn.
The grand estate, normally a bastion of rigid protocol and hushed tones, now hummed with restrained anticipation. The remnants of last night's festivities for Lady Katarina's tenth birthday still lingered – delicate petals scattered across the floors, half-empty glasses, and ribbons dancing in the gentle breeze. Yet, amidst the fading echoes of celebration, a sense of solemnity settled over the estate. For today marked the Awakening Ceremony, a revered tradition steeped in tradition and overseen by the revered Church of Elyssari.
A majestic black-lacquered carriage, adorned with intricate gold detailing, glided smoothly across the polished white stone of the estate's eastern courtyard. Within its opulent interior, Grand Duke Maximilian and Archduchess Sophia sat with their two daughters, surrounded by the subtle luxury of velvet upholstery. The curtains, drawn to admit a sliver of morning light, cast a warm, golden glow over the family's tranquil faces.
Katarina, who had just turned ten, sat upright with composed grace. Today marked her awakening—an event that would determine the trajectory of her fate. Beside her, her little sister Helena, only four years old, gazed absentmindedly out the carriage window. The world beyond was bright and teeming with noble carriages and distant church bells.
"Is something wrong, Helena?" Katarina asked gently, tilting her head. Her voice was warm, as only an elder sister's could be—tuned to her sibling's smallest expressions.
Helena blinked, startled, and quickly sat upright. "N-No, not really... I was just thinking—there might be a long line at the church today. A lot of kids turn ten this season."
A small, amused smile graced Katarina's lips. "You worry too much. We're Obrechtz. The Church wouldn't let us stand in line for hours, even if the whole capital turned ten today."
Helena nodded but didn't meet her sister's eyes. Her real thoughts swirled in a different storm entirely.
Lucien Caelum Velebrandt.
She knew he was the same age as Katarina—just born on a different month. If the timelines were right, he might already be inside the inner walls of the Empire, preparing for his own awakening... or worse.
The tension in her jaw tightened as she turned back to the window, watching as the cobbled streets gave way to the sanctified lands near the Church of Elyssari.