CHAPTER 157: OLD HOME

Lilith slept through most of the journey, and when she finally opened her eyes, the sun was already beginning to set. The path to her village came into view in the golden light. Though still about twenty minutes away, Eryndor was visible on the horizon.

Her heartbeat quickened, palms growing clammy as the carriage drew nearer. Memories came rushing back, unbidden and overwhelming. Every step of the road seemed to echo with the past. Her eyes welled with tears, but she quickly blinked them away. She had no idea what awaited her there. And truthfully... Eryndor was no longer home. Not after everything that had happened.

A gentle touch on her thigh pulled her from her thoughts. She followed the hand to find Charlotte’s concerned gaze.

"Are you alright, Lilith? You haven’t said a word since we began the journey."

Lilith managed a soft smile, glancing briefly at Viktor, who was now watching them in silence. "Yes, I’m alright. Just a little nervous, that’s all."

"Oh, I see. Everything will be fine. We’re both here for you," Charlotte said, giving her thigh a reassuring rub.

"Thank you, Charlotte. You’re very kind," Lilith replied, placing her hand over Charlotte’s in appreciation.

Just then, the carriage passed through the village gates with a low creak. A few villagers paused and stared, whispering among themselves as the ornate carriage rolled by. Confusion and curiosity clouded their faces.

Lilith leaned back in her seat and quietly drew the curtain shut.

Moments later, the carriage came to a halt before a large grey and white mansion. The coachman climbed down and opened the door. Lilith stepped out slowly, her gaze lifting to the building where her childhood had once unfolded. A swirl of emotions churned inside her, none of them joy.

A man she recognized instantly stepped out of the mansion, his brow furrowed. Then, in an instant, his eyes widened, nearly bulging with disbelief.

"Li... Lilith? Is that really you?" the man stammered, walking hesitantly toward her.

Lilith’s bottom lip trembled as she forced a smile, her hands smoothing the folds of her gown. "Yes, it’s me. Lilith. It’s nice to see you again, Mordred."

The older man rushed forward, wrapping her tightly in his arms. "Sweet gods... I can’t believe it. It’s really you. It’s been so long. Ages."

She returned the hug gently, smiling as he pulled back to cup her face in his hands. "It’s only been a few months... but I missed you too."

Though they didn’t speak of it, she saw the guilt and regret swimming in his eyes.

"How have you been? Is the prince treating you well? Is everything alright?" Mordred asked in a rush.

"I’ve been well," Lilith answered calmly. "And yes, the prince has been treating me wonderfully. Everything is alright."

"I..." His eyes shifted to the space behind her, then back to Lilith. "You brought visitors?"

Lilith stepped back from him, realizing she had nearly forgotten she hadn’t come alone. "Forgive me, I got carried away. This is Lord Viktor and Lady Charlotte, they’re good friends of mine."

Mordred bowed politely, offering a warm smile. "Nice to meet you, Lord Viktor. Welcome to Eryndor."

"You can call me Rune. And it’s nice meeting you too..." Viktor extended a hand.

"Mordred. You can call me Mordred," he said, shaking it.

"Nice meeting you, Mordred," Viktor replied with a smile.

Mordred turned to Charlotte. "And nice meeting you too, Lady Charlotte. I hope I can call you that?"

"You can call her..." Viktor began, but Charlotte nudged him lightly in the ribs with her elbow before he could finish.

"My name is Charlotte. You can just call me Charlotte," she said smoothly.

"Oh... alright. Welcome to Eryndor, Charlotte," Mordred said, though he narrowed his eyes slightly at both of them. "I understand you’ve had a long journey. Please, come inside. Lord Gerald informed me we’d be expecting visitors, but he didn’t mention who they were and..." He glanced toward Charlotte. "You can stay with Lilith until a room is prepared for you. We were only informed of two guests."

"That’s not a problem, Mr. Mordred," Charlotte replied.

"Please, just Mordred," he said with a wave of his hand.

"Alright... Mordred," she echoed with a polite smile.

"Please, come in."

He opened the door and led them inside. Lilith looked around, quietly taking everything in. Aside from a few rearranged pieces of furniture and new paintings on the wall, not much had changed.

As they ascended the staircase, Lilith’s gaze landed on a large family portrait hanging on the wall. She paused, reaching out to touch the painted face of her mother.

She had been there when the painting was made, but her stepfather hadn’t allowed her to be included. He claimed she would ruin it. So she had only watched from the sidelines as the rest of her family was immortalized on canvas.

"Are you alright, Lilith?" Viktor asked softly from behind her.

"Yes... Yes, of course. The painting just brought back a few memories. Painful ones," she replied, pulling her hand away and continuing up the stairs.

The butler led them down the left hallway, stopping at the first door.

"This room is for Lord Viktor," he said, opening it. "The second is for Lady Lilith. And the room next to hers will be prepared shortly for Miss Charlotte. A maid will come by to tidy it."

Viktor stepped into his room while Lilith and Charlotte entered the one next to his. The room featured a large bed with tall bedposts, sheer covers tied neatly to each corner. A dresser with an oval mirror stood against one wall, a small wardrobe beside it, and a modest bathroom tucked in the corner. It wasn’t as grand as her room in Valyron, but it was still fairly nice.

Lilith drew back the brown curtains and looked outside. The view revealed a stretch of grassland and trees tinged with the colors of fall.

"This is nice. Not what I expected, though," Charlotte said, settling onto the bed.

"Yes, it is," Lilith replied, pulling her trunk closer to the wardrobe. She opened it and began arranging her clothes neatly inside.

"Did you inform your stepfather that you were coming?" Charlotte asked.

"No, I didn’t," Lilith answered. "But I assume the prince must have informed him. I don’t know how, but Mordred said they were expecting visitors today."

"It seems he didn’t tell the butler it was you who would be arriving."

"It does seem that way," Lilith murmured, her voice quiet as she continued folding her garments.