The carriage rattled to a stop, jolting Ray from his reverie. The journey back to the Silvermist Manor had taken an hour longer than usual, thanks to Ellen's deep slumber.
He peeked inside, a smile tugging at his lips. The golden light of the setting sun cast long shadows across the carriage, illuminating Ellen's peaceful face. Her brow furrowed slightly, then smoothed out as she drifted back to sleep.
A rough cough from outside the carriage broke the spell. Ray looked out the window to see their aging guard, his face etched with concern.
"Young Master, we are here,"
he announced.
Ray nodded, a pang of unfamiliar warmth blossoming in his chest. Ever since he met with Ellen, a protectiveness he hadn't known existed simmered within him. He gently nudged Ellen awake.
"El, El," he whispered, his voice laced with a tenderness he surprised himself with.
Ellen stirred, her eyes blinking open with confusion. "Big brother?" she mumbled, a frown creasing her delicate forehead.
"We're home," he assured her.
Ellen's brow knitted even tighter. "Home?" she echoed, a bit of confusion in her voice.
Just then, the carriage door swung open, revealing Lady Silvermist. Her elegant features softened as she saw Ellen. "Welcome home, dear," she said, her voice as warm as the setting sun.
Ellen blinked, her eyes darting between Ray and Lady Silvermist. "Yes" she replied.
Ray gently interlaced his fingers with hers. "Don't worry, El. We'll be fine," he murmured. Seeing her distress, he decided to carry her inside. He knew Ellen wouldn't want to draw attention, especially in her current state.
Lady Silvermist's eyes widened in delight, but she quickly hid it. With Ellen nestled comfortably in his arms, Ray stepped out of the carriage and walked towards the grand entrance of the Silvermist Manor.
As he crossed the threshold, Lord Silvermist appeared, his face etched with worry. Relief washed over him at the sight of his son, but it was quickly replaced by concern as he noticed the sleeping girl in Ray's arms.
"Ray?" Lord Silvermist inquired, his voice laced with urgency.
Ray explained the day's events in hushed tones, keeping his voice low so as not to disturb Ellen's sleep. Lord and Lady Silvermist listened with growing concern, their faces etched with bewilderment as he recounted the attack by the arrogant couple and their subsequent encounter with them.
When he finished, Lady Silvermist was the first to speak. Her voice, though gentle, held a fierce protectiveness.
"Don't worry, Ray. Even if they may be from the main family, but they still have to show us respect. And you certainly don't need to worry about offending anyone besides the royals."
Lord Silvermist nodded in agreement. Relief flooded Ray, washing away the anxiety that had been gnawing at him. Despite their confusion, his parents offered their unwavering support.
With a grateful smile, Ray left them to settle Ellen in her room. He knew this was just the beginning, and a sense of purpose surged through him. He had a family to protect now, a family that seemed to care for him, even if they didn't understand the full picture.
Back in his room, Ray formulated his plan. Tonight, he would sneak out. As an assassin, navigating the shadows was second nature to him. He closed his eyes, focusing his mana, a wellspring of magical energy within him. Slowly, his presence began to fade, the invisibility spell weaving its magic. A satisfied smirk played on his lips. It worked.
He donned pre-prepared clothes, their simplicity a stark contrast to the luxurious garments he was used to. Yet, on him, they seemed to exude an air of expensive elegance. Ray sighed. This was a side effect of his exceptional physique. Wearing disguises would attract unwanted attention; he had to make do.
He stood before the mirror, his eyes locking with his reflection. Another wave of mana surged forward, focusing on his irises. A searing pain filled him as his scarlet eyes morphed into an unnatural shade of yellow. The pain subsided, leaving him with a set of eyes that shone like molten gold. It was enough.
The moon cast a silvery glow as he waited for the midnight hour. Finally, the clock struck twelve. He opened the window, his heart pounding with a strange mix of excitement and apprehension. A quick glance confirmed the coast was clear. He leapt out, his honed reflexes and agility ensuring a silent landing from the second floor.
With his presence masked and his steps soundless, Ray weaved through the shadows, his senses on high alert. He knew his destination – the.....