章 3: The Capital
The road to Copenhagen had been long, and my legs felt like lead by the time the towering gates of the city finally loomed before me. The mist had cleared as I left the forest behind, but the chill in the air still clung to my bones. The city was a stark contrast to the wilderness—the streets bustling with traders, beggars, soldiers, and noblemen alike, all mingling in the crowded marketplace.
I hadn't been to Copenhagen in years, not since I was a boy. It felt both familiar and foreign, the way a place does after being absent for too long. The smell of fresh bread from the baker's stalls mixed with the pungent odor of fish being sold at the docks. Voices filled the air, merchants haggling, mothers scolding their children. It was almost comforting.
But then, I felt it.
A prickle at the back of my neck. The sensation of being watched.
I turned sharply, my eyes scanning the crowd. Nothing seemed out of place—just the usual mess of people. But the feeling persisted, tugging at me, pulling my attention toward the shadows near the edge of the market.
Then, I saw it.
A flash of red, low to the ground, darting between the legs of a passing merchant. At first, I thought it was just a stray dog, but as it slipped between two carts, I caught sight of its fur—a rich, auburn red, sleek and shining. A fox.
It moved with grace, slipping through the crowd with ease, its eyes flicking back toward me. It was watching me. I felt my heart rate quicken, a sense of unease crawling up my spine. The fox paused just at the corner of an alleyway, turning its head to look directly at me, almost expectant.
And then, I noticed something strange.
Around its neck, fastened by a delicate ribbon, was a small scroll of parchment.
An address.
I blinked, stepping forward, trying to make sense of what I was seeing. A fox? Wearing a message? I must have looked ridiculous, staring at the creature like some fool, but no one else seemed to notice. They just moved around me, oblivious to the small animal.
I took another step, and the fox darted into the alleyway.
"Shit," I muttered under my breath, moving after it.
I pushed through the crowd, my boots echoing off the cobblestones as I entered the narrow alley. The fox stood at the far end, its eyes fixed on me. It gave me one last look before disappearing behind a stack of crates, vanishing into the shadows.
I quickened my pace, cursing myself for following a damn animal. But something about the whole thing—about that address—pulled me in. I had learned long ago to trust my instincts, no matter how strange they seemed.
When I reached the crates, I found the fox gone. But the scroll, the small slip of parchment, had been left behind. It lay at my feet, tied in a neat little bow. Carefully, I picked it up, unrolling it between my fingers.
There, in neat, elegant handwriting, was an address. The ink still fresh.
**Rosenborg Street, No. 7**
I stared at it for a long moment, turning the parchment over in my hands. No name, no further instructions. Just the address.
"Of course," I muttered, pocketing the scroll.
I had no idea who had sent it or why, but I wasn't in the mood to be toyed with. The demon, the letter, and now this—everything felt like I was being pulled deeper into a web I couldn't see.
But one thing was certain. Whoever was behind this, they knew I was coming. And they wanted me to follow.
I straightened my collar and made my way through the winding streets of Copenhagen, following the directions on the scroll. The address led me away from the busy marketplace and into the quieter parts of the city, where the narrow streets were lined with tall buildings, their windows darkened by the fading evening light.
By the time I reached Rosenborg Street, the sun was sinking low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestones. No. 7 was a modest building, tucked between a bakery and an empty shop. It wasn't what I had expected. No grand mansion or noble estate. Just an ordinary house, with a simple wooden door.
I stood in front of the door, my hand hovering over the knocker.
Whoever was inside… they knew something. And I was going to find out what.
I pushed the door open, its creak echoing through the stillness. Inside was a poorly furnished hall, bare wooden walls adorned with the occasional faded painting that might once have been vibrant. A dusty table stood against one side, its surface littered with discarded papers and an old, cracked vase that looked as if it hadn't seen flowers in years.
No one greeted me. No sound of life echoed through the space.
My unease grew as I glanced around. It felt as if the house were holding its breath, waiting. The only notable feature was a staircase at the far end, descending into darkness. I hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the door, but something compelled me forward. Maybe it was curiosity, or perhaps a deeper instinct that urged me to explore further.
I took a deep breath and started down the stairs.
As I descended, the air grew warmer, the atmosphere shifting around me. The steps creaked underfoot, each one a reminder that I was stepping into the unknown. The faint scent of rich spices and something sweet wafted up from below, hinting at an extravagant space waiting beneath the surface.
When I reached the bottom, I paused, my jaw dropping slightly.
Before me lay a lavish hall that contrasted starkly with the drabness above. The floor was polished marble, reflecting the soft glow of chandeliers that hung from the high ceilings, their crystals glimmering like stars. Tapestries lined the walls, depicting scenes of mythical creatures and faraway lands, their colors still vibrant and alive. It was no less than a mansion, a hidden treasure beneath the ordinary facade of the house.
But the beauty of it all was marred by an unsettling emptiness. No servants bustled about, no laughter or conversation filled the air. Just silence.
"Hello?" I called out, my voice echoing against the walls. I stepped further into the hall, the soft thud of my boots swallowed by the opulence surrounding me. The room was enormous, with grand furniture that spoke of wealth and power, yet no one seemed to inhabit this lavish space.
As I explored, I caught sight of a door at the far end of the hall, slightly ajar. Drawn to it, I approached cautiously, my heart racing with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. I pushed the door open slowly, revealing a dimly lit room filled with shelves overflowing with books and artifacts—curiosities from all over the world.
The sight captivated me, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. It lingered at the edge of my awareness, making the hairs on my neck stand on end. I stepped further inside, my eyes scanning the shelves when suddenly, I heard a sound behind me—a soft rustle, the creak of a floorboard.
I whipped around, but the hall was still empty, the silence deafening.
As I stood there, lost in the opulence surrounding me, a soft voice echoed through the hall, breaking the heavy silence.
"Oh, you are here… welcome. Follow my voice."
I paused, my heart quickening at the unexpected sound. The voice was melodic, laced with a sultry tone that sent a shiver down my spine. It beckoned me, drawing me deeper into the lavish mansion. I took a breath, curiosity battling with caution as I moved toward the source of the voice.
Following the sound, I navigated through the grand space, passing under elegant archways adorned with gilded trim and soft, warm lighting. The voice guided me through a series of corridors, each step resonating against the marble floors.
Finally, I reached a door slightly ajar, a hint of steam escaping into the air. I pushed it open, and the sight before me took my breath away.
A spacious room opened up, filled with an inviting warmth and soft, flickering candlelight. In the center sat a lavish jacuzzi, the water bubbling gently and casting a soothing mist into the air. And there, reclining against the edge of the tub, was a woman in her early thirties.
Her figure was stunning, with soft curves that drew the eye and held it captive. The water lapped against her smooth skin, glistening under the dim light, accentuating her full, pert tits and the gentle swell of her hips. Her thighs were invitingly submerged, the water caressing her skin, and I could almost imagine what lay beneath the surface. Her long, dark hair cascaded in seductive waves around her shoulders, framing her face perfectly.
Her lips were full and painted a deep crimson, forming a sultry smile that promised mischief. Her piercing green eyes met mine with an intensity that made my heart race, a mixture of amusement and something more primal.
"Ah, there you are," she purred, her voice a velvet caress that enveloped me. "I was wondering when you'd arrive."
I stood there, momentarily speechless, my gaze drawn to the way the water glistened on her skin, accentuating her curves. The scent of jasmine and sandalwood filled the room, wrapping around me like a soft embrace.
"Come closer, Zark," she said, her voice thick with invitation, gesturing to the edge of the jacuzzi. "I've been waiting to hear about your journey."
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