The wheels of the carriage rolled over the cobbled stone road with a steady rhythm. Ivar sat across from his mother, arms crossed, staring at the dusty window.

Sarith had her hands folded tightly in her lap, eyes fixed forward, as if she was swallowing back her thoughts and refusing to speak.

Eventually, Ivar couldn’t take it anymore.

“So?”

Sarith said nothing.

Ivar raised an eyebrow.

“I mean... what made them call us back after all these years?”

Sarith turned her head. Her gaze was serious, though the corners of her eyes trembled.

“I don’t know, Ivar.”

Ivar smirked.

“Really? A father who used to know everything two months in advance doesn’t know now?”

Sarith took a deep breath.

“If I knew, I’d tell you. But this time, I truly don’t know.”

Raven Manor – A Poisoned Welcome

The iron gates of Raven Manor opened. The carriage rolled into the courtyard, each stone evoking bitter memories in Sarith’s mind. Ivar looked out the window, lips pressed in a thin line.

As the carriage door opened, the first thing he saw was a woman in formal attire with a silver cloak. Her hair was neatly tied back, her skin smooth, and her eyes... sharp as blades.

Alina, the official wife of Duke Kael Raven.

With a smile that was more serpent’s grin than hospitality, she stepped forward.

“Sarith, dear… Welcome back to our home. Though I didn’t expect the day would come that you’d return — and with your son, no less.”

Ivar smirked.

“Your home? We’ve moved in pretty fast, haven’t we, Mom?”

Alina glanced at Ivar.

“And you must be Ivar. I do hope… you’re low-maintenance. We’re not exactly famous for our hospitality here at Raven Manor.”

Sarith replied,

“You never were.”

Alina gave a faint smile and raised her hand.

“Servants. Please escort them.”

A young girl approached Ivar.

“If you would, sir… I’ll show you to your room.”

Ivar cast a brief glance at Sarith, then followed silently. The corridors were long and dark, filled with the scent of old wood. The windows were clouded and the curtains drawn.

The girl said quietly,

“This room has been prepared for you.”

Ivar bit his lip.

“At least it has a view.”

She bowed and stepped back, then left.

The Inevitable Meeting

Sarith was still standing beside Alina. The woman spoke dryly,

“Your room is exactly where you left it twenty-three years ago.”

Sarith gave a venomous smile.

“You have no idea how much I missed that room.”

Another servant stepped forward.

“If you’re ready, Lord Sarith.”

They slowly ascended the stairs. His heart beat slow but heavy. Each creaking step seemed to wake old memories.

When they reached the door, the servant opened it.

Inside — the same rugs, the same curtains, the same bitter scent... and the same man.

Kael Raven, seated behind a tall desk, fingers interlaced, looked up. His hair had darkened with time, but that cold gaze remained unchanged.

And here they were... after twenty-three years.