The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 16: The Silver Stag's Legacy

🌸Adeline⚔️

In the dead of midnight, when silence reigns and shadows stretch long across Wintermere, I managed to slip out of the Duke's manor, just to find the mysterious narrow path hidden beneath a tangle of vines, driven by my own curiosity. As Duchess of Wintermere, sneaking out of the Duke's manor at midnight was likely not the image anyone expected of me. Yet here I was, darting like a thief in the dark.

I moved quietly, carefully not to alert the knights patrolling the grounds. It's a good thing Father taught me to be light on my feet, his lessons made me feel more like a phantom than a noble lady now.

When I finally reached the location I'd been seeking, I drew back the hood of my black cloak, letting the moonlight catch on the icy blue strands of my hair, tied into a simple ponytail that brushes my back. Far enough from prying eyes, I decided it was safe to reveal myself.

Lucien's estate was far larger than I imagined, sprawling with hidden ruins and pockets of forest. Clara and I had wandered these grounds once. Ahead of me, the path was blocked by a wall of overgrown vines and ivies, thick and tangled.

Here it is.

I smirked, flexing my fingers. "Heh. I guess it wouldn't hurt to cut these down."

I took a deep breath, then a faint golden glow swirled in my hand, and in seconds, a sword formed from pure light. It hummed softly as I swung it, slicing through the vines with precision. To the human eye, it might have seemed like I only unleashed two slashes—but in reality, several strikes had already torn through the vines, each one faster than the blink of an eye. As soon as the vines were cleared, the blade vanished from my grip, the glow fading into the night.

Though I've said before that I'm not a trained swordswoman, I suppose that's not entirely true. My father ensured I could protect myself—not just with sorcery, but with swordsmanship too. It's a skill I've kept hidden, a secret edge meant to surprise my opponents when they least expect it.

As a noblewoman, most would never suspect me capable of such a thing, which works to my advantage. Let them underestimate me—it only makes it easier to catch them off guard when the time comes.

The path ahead was open now. My boots crunched softly against the earth as I continued forward, my cloak rippling behind me in the cold breeze. Unlike my usual attire like dresses, I wore a long-sleeve white button-up shirt and black trousers tonight. It was simple, but perfect for sneaking around.

As I walked, I suddenly came to a halt, sensing something in the air. I raised my palm, and a soft orb of light appeared in my hand, pulsing gently before stretching forward, winding through the air like a glowing snake. It slithered ahead, guiding me like a compass.

"There it is," I murmured to myself. "I knew there was something hidden here."

I followed the trail of light until I came across a ruin loomed ahead, its stone frames crumbling with age. Vines crept along its surface, clinging to shattered pillars, and the grand double doors at the entrance were splintered and broken.

"Interesting," I muttered, stepping closer. "Now, let's see what secrets this place been keeping."

I moved quickly, stepping inside with urgency as a swirling orb of light followed closely behind me. The glow illuminated the shadowed corridor, revealing just enough to guide my way through the darkness.

The hallway felt ancient; its architecture was steeped in history. Intricate carvings adorned the walls, though I can see their edges softened. The stone floor blanketed in dust beneath my quiet steps as I proceeded cautiously. Who knew what slumbered in the depths of these ruins—beasts, traps, or something worse?