Haunting Shadows (Book 2)

Before

Three years ago…

John and his parents had been invited to a party at the Eleanor household. It was a chance for John to get to know his future bride better and there could be no distractions. As a result, Raphael was once again left behind so that no one could find out who or what he was. It was better if none of the other noble families knew of the disgraceful son.

But Raphael was not the type to sit at home and wallow in self-pity. He had always wanted to travel and saw this as an opportunity to visit Eerea’s neighboring kingdom, Gynae. It had been a place to always fascinate him ever since his mother told him stories of its history.  Lady Argeno had grown up in Gynae and was herself eager to go back someday, but as for now, Raphael was the one with the opportunity.

He quickly scribbled down a not for his family telling them that he would be gone for a while in case his journey ended up being longer than theirs.

The Argeno estate was located near the border of where Eerea ended and Gynae began. Raphael saw this as a sign; it meant his travel time was shortened.

He arrived in a small village a couple of hours later, not having packed anything. But it didn’t matter to him; it would be more of an adventure to figure things out as he went away. Besides, he was a well-trained sorcerer. Most things he needed he could just manifest with a simple spell.

Raphael was walking around, admiring the view, when suddenly something – or rather someone, caught his attention.

She was a young girl with raven hair that fell into her face in a mess. Her grey eyes were wide and searching. Her arms were crossed over her chest, in a rather defensive manner, like she was trying to shield herself from someone. Those pale eyes frequently darted through the crowd, and she would jump every once in a while as if she saw the face of someone that scared her to death. Raphael felt drawn to her, a strange kind of connection… one he couldn’t name. He had this sudden urge to go up to her and ask her if she needed help – but with how bewildered she appeared, he doubted that would be such a great idea. He might only succeed in frightening her more.

His gaze followed her as he slipped out of sight. Raphael felt a sense of regret at not having talked to her, but shrugged it off. What were the chances he’d see her again anyway?

He continued wading through the crowd until he found himself in front of a little inn. It seemed as good a place as any to stay his first night in Gynae. He walked inside and was greeted by a friendly looking lady that’s smile only widened upon his entrance.

“A room for you and your lady friend?” the inn-keeper asked in a friendly voice.

Raphael chuckled. “Just me.”

The lady grinned. “Surely a handsome young man such as yourself has already found himself a nice young girl to spend his life with,” she joked as she started opening her log book.

“I’m afraid not. I have yet to meet the girl I want to spend my life with,” Raphael added, grinning to the lady as she pushed the log back toward him.

She gestured to an empty spot on the list, “Sign here please. I bet a lot of ladies in this village would be happy to know of your availability.”

Raphael laughed. “You flatter me,” he said as he signed his name. “I might not be nearly as good of a catch as you think I am.”

The lady waved him off as he pushed the book back to her and she took it from him.

“You would have to be a very horrid man behind closed doors to no be a catch, young man. Don’t let someone make you feel less than your worth,” she said as she pulled out his room key.