The Final Capture (Vanasagheray Trilogy Part II)

Chapter Three: Not until it's ready

The sun is beginning its slow descent, casting long shadows across the landscape as the trio—Ankit, Lyra, and Vanasagheray—drive through the winding road that leads them to Ravenshade Valley. The air is crisp, a gentle breeze rustling through the tall grass on either side of the road. The trees around them are a mix of towering pines and lush oaks, their branches intertwining to create a canopy of deep greens and soft yellows that whisper secrets in the wind. There's an undeniable sense of isolation here, the kind of peaceful solitude that comes with being far from the eyes of others.

Lyra sits in the front, her gaze fixed ahead, while Vanasagheray quietly drives, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Ankit is in the backseat, his fingers drumming lightly against his knees.

"Are we close?" Ankit asks, glancing out of the window.

Lyra nods, "Yeah, we should be there soon. Vi said it's just past the ridge."

As they crest a small hill, the valley below opens up before them—a sweeping expanse of natural beauty. Ravenshade Valley lives up to its name. The light seems to shift here, a peculiar twilight glow that makes the entire valley feel like it's bathed in shadows, even in the golden hour of the day. The landscape is a mix of rolling hills and flat stretches of grassy plains, with a few rocky outcrops jutting out like ancient sentinels. In the distance, they can see the reflection of the setting sun glimmering off the surface of a lake, tucked away between the trees.

"There," Lyra points, her voice almost breathless. "That's the lake... and there's the bungalow."

The bungalow sits quietly by the edge of the lake, a structure both unassuming and timeless. It's an old stone building, two stories tall, with dark wooden beams supporting the roof that has a slight slope. The walls are a weathered gray, blending almost seamlessly with the surrounding trees, as if nature itself had helped build the structure. Ivy crawls up one side of the building, and large windows overlook the lake, catching the last rays of sunlight and reflecting them back into the still waters.

The lake itself is tranquil, its surface glass-like, reflecting the deep greens and grays of the valley with almost perfect clarity. The water extends gently, bordered by tall reeds swaying in the breeze, and the far side of the lake is lined with dense trees, creating a sense of seclusion. Even the birds seem to have fallen silent as if respecting the serenity of this hidden spot.

"Wow," Ankit whispers, leaning forward to get a better view. "This place is... something else."

Vanasagheray steers the car off the narrow road and onto a small dirt path that leads them closer to the bungalow. The car's tires crunch on the gravel as they pull up near the entrance, parking under the shade of an overgrown oak tree. From here, the view of the lake is even more striking. The setting sun has dipped lower, casting a soft orange glow over the surface, making the water seem like it's lit from within. Small ripples form near the shore as a light wind stirs the surface, creating a peaceful rhythm that fills the air.

"It's like something out of a dream," Lyra says softly, stepping out of the car and breathing in the fresh air.

The bungalow stands silent, undisturbed for what looks like years, though it's clearly maintained—clean windows, a sturdy wooden door, and no signs of decay. It has a large porch that wraps around the front and side of the house, and a few wooden chairs sit there, facing the lake, inviting anyone to sit and watch the day slowly fade into night. A small dock juts out into the lake from just beyond the bungalow, its wooden planks slightly worn but still sturdy. The water around it is so clear that they can see the stones beneath, undisturbed and glistening faintly.

"Nobody knows about this place?" Vanasagheray asks, stepping out of the car and glancing around.

Lyra shakes her head, "It's been abandoned for years. It's one of the few places left that the government hasn't touched. Completely off the grid."