Chapter IV

The man’s footsteps echoed down the empty corridor, breaking the pregnant silence of the manor. He came to a halt before a set of double doors, each featuring intricate patterns set into the wood. He raised his hand and let it fall against the surface, giving a single knock.

“Enter,” the soft voice from within bid to him. He entered swiftly and closed the door behind him, bending at the waist in a respectful bow. The figure in the large, padded chair before the fireplace did not pay him any mind, head turned toward the warmth. The long silky hair, tied back in a ribbon, was draped over a delicate shoulder, the lighter brown color interspersed with golden highlights from the firelight. “Speak.”

“My Lady, the decoy was a success. The man seems to have been mislead, just as you had wished.” From his lowered position, the servant could not clearly see his mistress, but the shifting fabric of her dressing gown was enough to give away her movements. She had stood from her chair and turned towards him. His eyes remained glued to the carpeting respectfully, not daring to make eye contact with the intimidating woman.

She moved closer still, until she was standing in front of him, and she placed her hand atop his head, patting the curly locks he was so fond of. “You have done well, my dear,” she said soothingly, her hand trailing down to caress his cheek, then cup his chin, lifting his head and his torso in turn. Her grip was surprisingly gentle. “If all continues to go well, then I may be inclined to reward you properly.”

The man swallowed audibly, not at all comfortable with the proximity of the woman’s unnaturally sharp nails and his own throat. He fixed his gaze above her head, remaining still until his mistress lowered her hand and turned from him, returning to her perch before the fire.

“That is all, my dear Lord Nyar. Leave me now.” Though she could not see him, Lord Nyar bowed once more, backing away toward the doors and making his exit. The woman smiled contently to herself, hand raised to unconsciously finger the pendant at her neck. Her fingertips ran over the smooth stone within the metal framework. It had been a gift from her late husband as a means of apology. “Now, things will start to get interesting.”

Reviews

[Isabelle]

I finally got the chance to read all your chapters and I can't wait for more to come. Your main characters are very interesting and the reader gets to know ther personalities very well. Maybe you could add some other things about too, like physical appearance, age, backstory. Another great thing is that you are able to build in some funny parts. And the ending of this chapter makes me really curious to find out what will happen further on.