4

The days following our settling into the manor were a new beginning, both for me and for the clan. Kael and the other clan members were amazed by the possibilities that my father's manor and tower offered. After centuries of living underground, the daylight, the wide spaces, and a different way of life were fascinating to them.

I, in turn, was telling them about my world: the intricacies of noble life, traditions, books, music... Their questions were endless. Everything was new to them, a mystery waiting to be discovered. They also told me about their world: the hardships of life beneath the earth, the strong bond between them, ancient wisdom, and supernatural abilities... Their stories were just as interesting to me as mine were to them.

The days were filled with moments where that strange attraction between Kael and me grew even stronger. We would wake up early in the morning and go for walks in the garden. He would tell me about his clan's hunting techniques and the healing properties of plants. I would show him the sky, the stars, and their meanings. We usually ate lunch together, falling into long conversations where even silence held meaning.

Beneath his stern and mysterious demeanor, I was discovering a compassionate and curious soul. Sometimes, the sad expression that would appear on his face when he spoke of his clan's past evoked a deep empathy within me. It was as if he understood my pain. Perhaps it was a shared loneliness brought about by centuries of captivity.

One evening, we had gone up to the top floor terrace of the tower to watch the sunset. The sky was painted in a thousand shades of red and orange. Below, the lights in the houses within the tower walls were slowly beginning to turn on. The clan members were experiencing the peace of settling into their new home.

We watched the scenery side by side in silence. The familiar silence was between us again, but this time it wasn't tense. On the contrary, it was a comforting and meaningful silence. It was as if we could understand each other without needing words.

The wind gently ruffled Kael's dark hair. His profile was so sharp and flawless that for a moment, I held my breath. At that moment, an intense desire I had never felt before awakened within me. I wanted to touch him, to look more closely into those mysterious eyes.

Kael suddenly turned, and our eyes met. He was looking at me with the same intensity. At that moment, the world around us seemed to stop. There was only the two of us, and the invisible bond between us felt almost tangible.

He slowly raised his hand and touched my cheek. The moment his finger touched my skin, I felt an electric current run through me. This was our first physical contact, and I understood how significant it was for both of us in that moment. The warmth he left on my cheek made my heart beat faster.

I also raised my hand and placed it over his. Our fingers intertwined. At that moment, it was as if two different worlds were merging. It was a reunion after centuries of separation.

Kael slowly leaned in. His eyes drifted to my lips. As his breath brushed against my face, an indescribable wave of excitement washed over me. I leaned towards him as well.

When our lips touched for the first time, time stood still. This wasn't just a simple kiss. It held the deep curiosity, respect, and growing love we felt for each other. His lips were soft and gentle on mine, but they also held a passionate longing.

As the kiss deepened, I wrapped my arms around his neck. He placed his hands on my waist and pulled me closer. At that moment, I had forgotten all my pain, all my loneliness. There was only his presence, his warmth.

After a while, we broke apart, breathless. He rested his forehead against mine. The deep love and compassion I saw in his eyes bound my heart to him forever. In that moment, I understood that fate had brought us together. Even though we came from different worlds, our hearts beat in the same rhythm.

Following this happy moment, the days continued peacefully. Kael and I grew even closer, our love growing stronger with each passing day. The clan members had also adapted to their new life. Cheerful laughter echoed within the tower walls, and a new hope was blossoming.

However, these peaceful days didn't last long. One afternoon, the manor's servant rushed to my side in a panic. She held a letter bearing an official seal.

"Countess Seraphina," she said breathlessly. "A letter has arrived from the King. You are being summoned to the palace urgently."

I took the letter with trembling hands. Seeing the King's seal sent a shiver down my spine. Why was he summoning me to the palace? Had Alaric's death been discovered? Or was there another reason?

Kael looked at my face with concern. "What is it, Seraphina?"

"The King... he is summoning me to the palace," I said, unable to stop the tremor in my voice.

The same question was on both our minds: What was the meaning of this summons? And what danger would it pose to our newfound peaceful life? The chapter ended here, in the shadow of uncertainty and anxiety.

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