The Shadow of the Simulacrum

Chapter 20: The Hypnotic Night

The teenager agreed to join him; she trusted him. Indeed, she was reassured to hear that he would protect her if anyone dared to harm her, and especially that he hadn't hurt her despite having had the opportunity several times. She felt a slight relief in her chest. The young brunette was excited and nervous about visiting his house and meeting Jesse's friends.

After texting Joanna that she would be home a bit later than expected, the couple embarked on their journey by soaring into the air. Sarah clung to Jesse's back, loving the sensation it gave her. She was fascinated by Jesse's supernatural abilities, particularly his skill at defying gravity. She loved floating in his arms, finding it terribly romantic. He pointed out his house in the distance. The place was huge, located away from the other homes in town, and surrounded by a dark forest. The teenager couldn't believe her eyes: he lived in a large, isolated house, far from everyone else.

As they got closer, Sarah noticed that Jesse's house, though surrounded by a high brick wall, felt even more secluded. From a distance, she could make out a large wrought iron gate, the kind you'd find in front of luxury estates. This majestic gate was the only visible point of access in the brick enclosure that surrounded the property. Behind the gate, a long paved driveway wound its way up to the house's entrance, lined with several luxury cars carefully parked. The whole place exuded a stern elegance and an impenetrable security, giving the mansion an imposing and mysterious aura.

Jesse landed gently in front of the house's entrance, carefully setting Sarah down. They held hands as they walked toward the imposing door. The closer they got, the more the young woman was amazed by the grandeur and elegance of the mansion. The old brick walls, the majestic columns, and the tall windows framed with fine moldings gave it an imposing, almost timeless appearance.

Outside, flaming torches placed on either side of the large wrought iron gate cast flickering light on the brick walls. These torches, which seemed straight out of another era, added a personal touch to the entrance, a nod to Jesse's taste for the ancient and the mysterious. They illuminated the pathway in a way that was both original and intriguing, reinforcing the impression that this house belonged to another world.

The teenager couldn't help but exclaim:

— It's truly beautiful... It looks like a castle, she murmured, still in awe.

Her partner smiled at her tenderly, a playful glint in his eyes.

— Just wait until you see the inside, he replied with a hint of mischief.

When he opened the door, a wave of warmth and festive sounds washed over the young woman. The rhythmic and upbeat music filled the house, creating a joyful and vibrant atmosphere. The clear notes of the instruments and the voices rising in the air invited everyone to dance, to let themselves be carried away by the energy of the evening. The lights inside were soft yet bright enough to illuminate every detail of the sumptuous decor.

The house, as elegant on the inside as it was on the outside, was bathed in an atmosphere that was both welcoming and festive. The guests, scattered throughout the different rooms, laughed, chatted, and let the music guide them. The sound resonated pleasantly in the large spaces, enveloping everything with its lively and joyful presence.

Gord appeared before them, a charming smile on his lips, adding a touch of conviviality to the already lively ambiance.

— Welcome, Sarah! he exclaimed enthusiastically. I'm Gord. We crossed paths at the first meeting of your Fan Club, and a few other times too, but I never introduced myself. Jesse has told me a lot about you, he added with a warm smile.

The leader, still close to Sarah, looked at her with affection. She recalled how she had behaved during their first meeting, and a slight embarrassment crossed her mind. But Gord's warm welcome and the festive atmosphere around her quickly dispelled her apprehensions.