Guess what I AM HERE , back from the trip after a whole week.
The new chapter Update speed might get reduced as I did not write a single chapter for a week and if I rush it the quality will drop.
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Year 1230, Modern-day Romania:
The castle stood tall and imposing in the misty forest of Transylvania, its white marble walls gleaming even in the dim light. Despite its Gothic design, the structure welcomed its elegance, with hanging gardens cascading down its towers and balconies and the soft sound of flowing water from the river right beside the castle. The forest around the castle was dense and covered in mist all year round, giving it an air of mystery, isolating it from the rest of the world.
In the center of the castle was a vast cathedral-like hall, with towering pillars and high-arched ceilings. The large stained glass windows let in just enough light to illuminate the space with colored hues, while strange pink flames burned steadily in sconces atop a pillar.
The air was cool and soft, filled with the scent of flowers, giving the room a sacred and almost otherworldly atmosphere.
In the center of the hall, on an intricately carved altar, stood a statue of a man that seemed to embody some kind of god, posed as if reaching out for a hug. It was a work of art unlike any other, a masterpiece of white marble that seemed alive yet unfinished. The figure was cloaked from head to toe, the marble carved to mimic the flow of fabric caught in the wind. The hood of the cloak obscured the face partially, with only a single eye visible beneath it and a faint outline of a jawline discernible.
What could be seen of the eye was blank and hollow, as if the sculptor had given up on crafting the face and eyes. In an attempt to give the statue a sense of completeness, he covered it in a cloak to hide the imperfections, reflecting the impossibility of capturing the deity's visage.
Surrounding the altar were dozens of veiled figures, moving gracefully. Some arranged flowers on the altar while frequently sneaking glances at the statue, smiling and giggling in pure joy upon seeing the falling snow flakes that drifted in.
But you would notice something: every figure here was a woman at the peak of her youth, each strikingly beautiful, their faces hidden behind delicate veils that left only their mesmerizing eyes visible. They were a sight to behold, a stark contrast to the somber image of nuns often associated with devotion. These women did not shun worldly beauty; they embraced it, adorning themselves in vibrant, colorful garments that shimmered like rainbows across the cathedral hall.
Their dresses were intricate and regal, resembling those of princesses from fairy tales, flowing elegantly around them as they moved. Their bodies were adorned with jewels and pearls, with necklaces cascading down their necks, tiaras made of flowers representing their youthful desires. Bracelets jingled softly with every motion, and anklets chimed like a melody as they walked.
Each maiden strived to enhance her natural beauty, with painted lips and eyes gleaming through the veils. This was not vanity—it was a way of honoring their deity, presenting themselves as the most beautiful versions of themselves in his presence. To them, their beauty was an offering, a tribute to the one who captured their hearts.
A figure approached another "Jane did you keep the count if we collected enough soul power this year"
The addressed woman, her veil barely concealing the sparkle in her eyes answered "Don't worry Tanya we are just a little short because of new member joining, will be done in a few days. "
Tanya urged "Be quick take Daphene and Astoria with you , hunt some more souls and put it extract the soul power before he arrives."
One of the veiled figures approached Tanya, her voice filled with a mixture of anticipation and concern. "Tanya, are you sure he will come to meet us this year?"
Tanya replied confidently, "He will definitely come, Irina. He promised us he would come every year. He has never broken his word."
Another figure joined them, her tone more fiery. "He will come. The only problem is those vixens around the lord who hoard him for themselves all year long. It's infuriating!"
Her words drew murmurs of agreement from the surrounding women, who had now begun to gather around, drawn by the conversation.
"And this time," the fiery figure continued, her voice rising with determination, "he will not go back. He will stay with us here in this castle forever. I will make sure of it."
"What are you planning, Kate?" Tanya asked, her voice laced with suspicion. She knew her sister well enough to sense mischief.
Kate smirked, her confidence unshaken. "I've prepared a potion with the flames he left behind 'glancing at the dancing pink flames to that faintly takes shape of a lily' that will help us keep him here. And it will give those vixens a taste of their own medicine."
Tanya's expression darkened as she stepped closer, lowering her voice but not her intensity. "Why are you doing this? Doesn't he come to us every year for the last 170 years? He keeps his promise to us. Do you want to anger him again?"
The reminder sent a ripple of unease through the group, and Kate's confident facade faltered for a moment. "No, no! I just thought—" she began, but Tanya cut her off.
"Think carefully. Do you want to be ignored by him again? Do you want him to act like you don't exist?"
Kate winced at the memory. "No! That was torture. But he won't be so cruel again, will he? Last time… it was just because I… I called him here faking danger and enchanted the mist around the castle with a confusion spell. It wasn't that bad, was it?"
Irina, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up, her voice tinged with amusement. "Oh, it was bad enough. You trapped those three women in the forest for days. And when he found out, he was furious. Do you remember what he said to you?"
Kate's face turned a shade redder beneath her veil. "Don't remind me."
But Irina pressed on, her tone teasing. "And as punishment, he ignored you for months. Didn't even glance your way when he visited."
A wave of laughter erupted from the gathered women, their mirth filling the cathedral hall. Even Tanya couldn't suppress a small smile as she added, "And yet you still think meddling is a good idea?"
Kate crossed her arms, trying to regain some semblance of dignity. "Don't laugh. I only thought the lord might get bored with just the three of them all year when he has all of us here, ready to fulfill his every need…"
The laughter grew louder, echoing through the vast hall. The other women teased her mercilessly, their voices a mix of affection and mischief.
Kate muttered under her breath, "Fine. I'll cancel the plan." She turned away, but not before adding with a sly grin, "But one day, he will stay here with us forever. You'll see."
The sound of laughter and chiming anklets echoed down the corridors of the castle, carrying with it the playful devotion of the twelve women who awaited the return of their lord. For now, their hearts were content with the promise of his arrival, each of them lost in memories of the moments they had shared with him—and the hope of creating many more.
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