Evelyn Riddle: The Forgotten Chronicles- Book 6

Chapter 1

Chapter One

Evelyn Riddle lay sprawled out amidst the rose bushes in the gardens of Malfoy Manor, the heady scent of the flowers wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. The neatly paved pathways and ornate benches nearby seemed too formal, too distant, compared to the soft, welcoming embrace of the blooms. The roses stood tall and proud, their deep crimson petals catching the golden sunlight in a way that made them look almost alive. Evelyn's fingers traced the edges of a nearby petal, marveling at its velvety texture. She smiled to herself as a faint breeze carried the rich fragrance around her, mingling with the quiet hum of bees lazily drifting from flower to flower. Here, amidst the roses, she felt a quiet kind of joy—as if the garden itself had opened its arms to her.

It had only been a month since she arrived at the Manor, but already, it felt like she belonged. Her first day was a whirlwind of wonder, starting with Narcissa Malfoy's grand tour of the estate. With her melodic voice and graceful gestures, Narcissa had brought the history of the Manor to life. Each room they entered seemed to have its own soul, its own story to tell. Evelyn's eyes widened at the intricate woodwork in the study, the gleaming chandeliers in the dining hall, and the ethereal murals that adorned the ceilings. Narcissa's pride in her home was evident, and Evelyn couldn't help but feel honored to be shown its secrets.

Draco had trailed behind them, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, a small smirk playing on his lips. He seemed to take delight in her awe, occasionally throwing in a teasing comment. "You'll get lost if you're not careful," he said at one point, "Don't worry, though; I'm an excellent guide." Narcissa gave him a fond but firm look, murmuring something about "manners," which only made him grin wider. Evelyn found herself smiling despite the teasing; there was a warmth in their dynamic that made her feel at ease.

The tour was thorough, leaving no corner of the Manor unexplored. The ballroom took her breath away—a vast, elegant space with gilded chandeliers and polished floors that seemed to whisper of long-forgotten music and laughter. Evelyn could almost picture couples twirling across the room, their laughter mingling with the notes of a grand piano. Narcissa shared tales of grand galas and whispered romances with a nostalgic smile, her words painting vivid pictures of a world Evelyn could only imagine.

But it was the library that truly captured her heart. Towering shelves stretched up to the ceiling, filled with books of every size and color. A rolling ladder stood waiting, inviting exploration. The faint scent of aged parchment and polished wood hung in the air, and Evelyn's fingers twitched with the urge to pull down a volume and dive into its secrets. When Narcissa assured her she could spend as much time here as she wanted, Evelyn's smile was radiant.

Outside, the grounds were equally enchanting. The gardens were alive with color, each flowerbed bursting with life. Narcissa's roses were clearly her pride and joy, and Evelyn could see why. Each bloom was flawless, their colors ranging from deep, velvety reds to delicate, creamy whites. Beyond the gardens lay a serene private lake, its surface shimmering like glass under the sun. The soft rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds created a soundtrack that Evelyn knew she would never tire of. Draco promised they'd spend most afternoons by the water, and she couldn't wait to see what adventures awaited there.

When the tour ended, Narcissa led her to her room. It was a perfect blend of elegance and comfort, with green and white accents that felt both calming and sophisticated. Dark wooden furniture gave the space a timeless charm, and a large bookshelf already stocked with some of her favorite titles made her heart swell. A vase of fresh roses sat on the bedside table, filling the room with their delicate fragrance. Evelyn couldn't stop smiling, especially when she realized the thoughtful touch was likely Draco's doing. The best part, however, was discovering that Draco's room was just next door.