Crown of Shadows

Chapter 5-Aelin

As Phantom guided the horse through the moonlit fields, the rhythmic sound of hoofbeats echoed in harmony with the gentle breeze, carrying me away in a place of comfort beneath the star-studded canvas of the night sky.

Lost in my thoughts, I gazed out into the distance, allowing the weight of recent events to settle upon my weary shoulders. Images of Silas danced through my mind, his presence lingering like a ghost in my consciousness. The memory of his touch, fleeting yet profound, stirred a whirlwind of unknown emotions within me.

Silas... The name resonated within me like a haunting melody, each syllable a testament to the enigmatic allure that surrounded him. With each passing moment, I found myself drawn deeper into the depth of his mysteries.

As the gentle sway of the horse carried us onward, I closed my eyes and surrendered myself to the symphony of the night.

When I opened my eyes, Phantom's voice echoed around me.

"We're here." He announced. I looked around to see woods around me. We were riding on a trail, and above is was a large building.

The Assassins Keep stood proudly amidst the surrounding wilderness, its sturdy wooden frame weathered by the passage of time. Built from dark timber and fortified with iron reinforcements, it rose from the earth reaching up toward the trees.

The structure itself was imposing, with towering walls that seemed to stretch endlessly toward the heavens. Turrets adorned its corners, their pointed spires reaching upward like outstretched fingers, as if beckoning to the stars above.

Despite its formidable appearance, there was an air of quiet elegance to the place. Carved wooden details adorned its facade, intricate patterns etched into the timbers with care and precision. Soft candlelight flickered from within, casting warm shadows across the surrounding landscape and lending the keep an aura of quiet enchantment.

As I gazed upon the structure, Phantom led me off the horse and we made our way to the house.

"When you get inside, an assassin will lead you to your room." Phantom began. "Tomorrow, you will be tested on what you know and we will see if your capable to be apart of our crew."

Upon crossing the threshold into the dimly lit interior, I glanced around, taking in the shadowy figures moving purposefully through the corridors. The air was thick with an aura of quiet intensity, and I sensed the presence of unseen eyes watching our every move.

A woman emerged from the shadows, her form graceful yet purposeful. She had dark skin and piercing green eyes that seemed to flicker with an inner fire, and her long, flowing hair cascaded down her back like a river of midnight silk. She wore dark clothing that hugged her frame, and an air of quiet confidence surrounded her.

"Welcome to the Assassins Keep," she said, her voice smooth and melodious. "I'm Lyra. Come on. I will show you to your quarters."

I nodded in acknowledgment, falling into step behind Lyra as she led the way through the corridors of the keep. Along the way, we passed other hooded members of the assassin's guild, each nodding in silent acknowledgement as we made our way through the bustling halls.

Finally, we reached a door adorned with intricate carvings, and Lyra pushed it open to reveal a cozy chamber bathed in soft candlelight. The room was furnished with simple yet elegant furnishings, and a plush bed beckoned invitingly from one corner.

"This will be your room for the duration of your stay," Lyra said, gesturing toward the bed. "Make yourself comfortable, and rest well. Tomorrow, we will begin your training."

"Thank you." I said.

"No need." Said Lyra. And she walked out closing the door behind her.

As I got in my bed, I laid down and closed my eyes.