☆𝑪𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝑨𝒏𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒂☆

☆彡彡𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓ミミ☆

Part 5 of the story

Taekjoo's pov

As soon as I finished reading the second letter, Jeong Taeui passed me the next untied envelope, this one holding another four densely written pages.
I pulled out the first page, and just then, a chilling gust of wind swept over us, making me glance toward Taeui. He nodded, urging me to go on with a smile that was a little too cheerful to be genuine.

I took a wary look around, as if hoping that whatever spirits or energies surrounded us might somehow grant us permission to continue.
A shiver ran down my spine as I considered the possibility of dying here, without uncovering the full story.
The mystery had gripped me now, so much so that it felt like a personal challenge, a battle I had to win just to sleep peacefully tonight.

As though sensing my determination, the room responded with a sudden snap, the old, creaky windows slammed shut on their own, and the shattered, cobweb-draped lamps flickered to life, bathing the room in a yellowish glow.
Jeong Taeui quickly hugged me as I sat, feeling my legs tremble beneath me.
My heart raced, and I silently pleaded for forgiveness from whatever might lurk here, hoping I hadn't unwittingly disturbed something I couldn't handle.

Behind us, I felt the sudden warmth of the fireplace-a hearth I could have sworn was empty and cold just moments ago.
I turned slowly, almost dreading what I'd find, only to see a fire burning brightly, crackling over logs that hadn't been there before. For a brief moment, I wondered if whatever spirit or force lingered here wanted us to finish reading the letters, as if it were the key to setting it free.
Was it possible it was Yevgeny, the heir who had supposedly haunted this place? Or could it be Kwon Taekjoo, the mysterious lover tied to the dark secrets of this mansion?

I turned to Taeui, who had moved away slightly, his expression mirroring my own thoughts as if he'd read my mind.
Both of us gravitated closer to the fire, moving slowly and respectfully, careful not to provoke the entity we felt was watching.
Then, with a rush of air, the envelope flew from my hands, the antique pages spilling open onto the carpet before us as if some unseen force was impatient for us to continue.

„Well." Taeui said, feigning nonchalance despite the anxiety in his voice.
„guess we're not leaving until we read every last word!" His gaze flitted around the room, clearly second-guessing his decision to bring us here and probably hoping to leave as much as I did.
But strangely, despite the fear clawing at my chest, I knew I couldn't leave just yet.
There was something about these letters I needed to uncover, something that tethered me to this haunted place.
And, for a moment, my thoughts drifted to Kwon Taekjoo.
Perhaps I was here for him.
I took the first page into my hand, and with a determined sigh, I started reading it through, while the fire burned, the woods cackling in my ears.

On the morrow, as dawn's first light didst grace the world, mine eldest brother, Vladimir Vissarionovich Bogdanov, arrived at my chambers, his gait swift and bearing a gravity most urgent.
I knew at once that he did not come lightly, and ere he had even arrived, one of mine vigilant guards had already hastened forth, alerting me to his advance. Stirred by the news, I roused myself with haste, and bade the man who had shared my bed that night to take his leave forthwith.
He slipped away through a hidden door known only to me, one that led unto a concealed room, for privacy was paramount, and none must witness that which was meant to remain unseen.
My loyal servants toiled in silent efficiency, smoothing the bed and ensuring every trace of the night's secrets was erased before mine elder brother entered.

Presently, a solemn voice rang through the hall:
„The eldest heir of the noble House of Bogdanov, Vladimir Vissarionovich Bogdanov, doth enter!" With that pronouncement, my brother strode into the chamber, clad in the resplendent yet foreboding attire of a knight.
His form was cloaked in chainmail, gleaming with the steeled resolve of a warrior, his visage as grim as the armour that girded him. At once, I sprang forth, a joyous cry spilling from mine lips.
„Brother!"