The Never Forgiven

Chapter 4

~Orpheus~ The next day

The fledgling servant and I rode through vast forests, finding that the location of the manor was quite secretive, isolated by so many forests and away from any speck of society. I could not blame her, a woman as powerful as she must have her enemies as well. Perhaps they shared a similar enemy? Hopefully she wasn't coordinated with those.... those bastards.

As we rode, we noticed a crow with gleaming orange eyes following our tracks. It would appear and then vanish again without a trace off and on, those eyes seeming to be the overseer of all. After a while, the crow had vanished without return. It had an odd aura to it whenever it would approach. It seemed as we got closer to the manor, the crow took longer to appear and soon when we were only half a forest away, it was done watching over our cloaked backs.

Soon we arrived at a small clearing, yet multiple trees still surround the place as if still attempting to hide the large manor that it contained. A stone bridge led over a small river that ran under the place, though, there were no guards at the door. Simply two butlers as if they had been expecting their arrival. One approached and gestured that the two dismount their horses to take into the stables. We dismounted and I turned to my servant. 

"I would like for you to approach Lady Aurora and inform her of my arrival."

The fledgling nodded obediently, although he seemed hesitant. I was sure he'd grow stronger in both will and strength, but that would take longer than the arrival of his loyalty to me. 
He then walked to the main doors, entering the brilliant hall that the manor held. Another butler had come to escort my fledgling to Lady Auroras office, informing me to wait until she allows me to enter. So, I waited in that marble hall, gazing around at the success in which Lady Aurora had gained over the years. The place was old yet beautiful. Perhaps 2 centuries old....

My thoughts were then interrupted once the first butler had announced that he was free to enter into her office. He led me up a half spiral of stairs before guiding me to a set of Two large doors. He and another opened them for me and what was revealed was the cloaked woman, her face hidden below her dark hood.
The room was dimly lit, as if she wanted to keep her  facial identity secret. Though, what he could see were her lips and those piercing orange eyes that had a slight glow to them. She stood behind her desk, seeming to intimidate my servant as a small game, a slick smirk planted on her lips. Her shoulders towered like that of a crows before those glaring eyes glanced up at me. She certainly appeared to be as powerful as people claimed. Her aura filled the room, venomous and dangerous. 

My fledgling stood there, being terrorized by her simple and calm words.

I managed a small smirk in amusement.

"You should not terrorize such a new fledgling of mine so harshly."

I claimed before giving her a small bow in greeting. 

"I am Lord Orpheus. It is a pleasure to meet you."

I then noticed a slight shift in her gaze and she narrowed her eyes a bit before handing my servant a few coins as if thanks for amusing her. My servant then retreated to the back of the room behind me. Her shoulders relaxed.

"Lord Orpheus, is it?..."

Her voice was silky and smooth. Like it could lure the strongest of humans into her grasp.

"Well, as you already know... I am Lady Aurora... Please, have a seat." 

She said, retreating into her own behind her desk. Her gaze had changed from menacing to almost curious. As if she were trying to remember something.

"Lady Aurora, may I ask why you decide to hide your face?"

I asked in curiosity.

"Mainly because I do not know you personally and I wish to show you after we have made a fair discussion and bargain."

Her hands had folded together under her chin. 

"Brilliant. Now....On to the discussion then?"

"Indeed." Her eyes turned to their piercing gaze again.

Something within her aura has a familiar feeling... like something I haven't tasted for years...