THE HIDDEN CROWN

Chapter 6 : The Gathering Storm 2

They left the manor under the cover of darkness, slipping through the forest and into the waiting car. The journey to the Carpathian Mountains was long and treacherous, the roads winding through dense forests and steep cliffs, with the occasional village dotting the landscape. As they traveled, Clara couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched, the shadows in the trees seeming to move with a life of their own.

Victor drove with a focused intensity, his eyes constantly scanning the road ahead and the surrounding landscape. He spoke little, his thoughts clearly occupied by the gravity of their mission. Clara, too, remained silent, her mind racing with questions she wasn’t sure she was ready to ask.

As night fell, the car climbed higher into the mountains, the air growing colder and thinner. Finally, they reached a small, isolated village nestled in a valley, surrounded by towering peaks. The village was quiet, its streets empty and its buildings old and worn, as if time itself had forgotten this place.

Victor parked the car at the edge of the village and turned to Clara. “Lucien lives in a cabin just outside the village. We’ll have to walk from here. Stay close, and don’t let your guard down.”

Clara nodded, feeling a chill that had nothing to do with the cold mountain air. They exited the car and began their trek through the village, the silence oppressive, broken only by the sound of their footsteps on the cobblestone streets. As they passed by the old houses, Clara couldn’t shake the feeling that unseen eyes were watching them from behind the shuttered windows.

They reached the edge of the village, where the path turned into a narrow trail leading up into the forested hills. The trees loomed overhead, their branches twisted and gnarled, casting eerie shadows on the ground. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the only sound was the rustling of leaves in the wind.

After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at a small, weathered cabin nestled among the trees. Smoke curled from the chimney, and a faint light glowed from within, offering a small measure of comfort in the otherwise foreboding landscape.

Victor knocked on the door, a series of sharp, deliberate taps that echoed in the stillness. For a moment, there was no response, and Clara felt her heart begin to race. Then, the door creaked open, revealing a tall, thin man with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. His hair was silver, though he appeared no older than Victor, and his presence exuded an air of ancient wisdom and power.

“Victor,” the man greeted, his voice smooth and melodic, though tinged with a hint of surprise. “It’s been a long time.”

“Lucien,” Victor replied with a nod. “I need your help. We’re searching for the Heart of Noctis, and The Order is already on our trail.”

Lucien’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. “So it has begun, then. Come inside, both of you. There is much we need to discuss.”

They stepped into the cabin, the warmth from the fire immediately enveloping them. The interior was simple but cozy, filled with books, maps, and ancient relics that spoke of a long history. Lucien motioned for them to sit by the fire, his gaze lingering on Clara for a moment before he turned to Victor.

“You’ve brought a mortal with you,” Lucien observed, his tone curious. “She must be important.”

“She is,” Victor replied firmly. “Clara has proven herself more than capable. I trust her completely.”

Lucien studied Clara for a moment longer before nodding. “Very well. If Victor trusts you, then so shall I. But understand, Clara, that the path you’ve chosen is fraught with danger. The Heart of Noctis is more than just a relic—it is a force of unimaginable power, and those who seek it are willing to kill for it.”

Clara met his gaze, her resolve unwavering. “I understand the risks. But I’m not backing down.”

Lucien’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Good. You’ll need that strength in the days to come.”

He turned to a large, worn map spread out on the table, pointing to a location deep within the mountains. “The last known resting place of the Heart is here, in the ruins of an ancient temple. But the temple is guarded by powerful wards and creatures that have kept it hidden for centuries. If we’re to find the Heart, we must first overcome these obstacles.”

Victor studied the map, his expression serious. “And The Children of Shadow? How much do they know?”

Lucien’s expression grew grim. “More than I would like. They’ve been searching for the Heart as long as I have, and their spies are everywhere. It’s only a matter of time before they learn of our quest.”

Clara felt a chill run down her spine. “So we’re racing against both The Order and The Children of Shadow?”

“Yes,” Lucien confirmed, his tone somber. “And time is not on our side.”

The weight of their mission settled over them as the fire crackled softly in the hearth. The journey ahead was fraught with peril, and the enemies they faced were formidable. But Clara knew that there was no turning back now. Together with Victor and Lucien, she would face whatever dangers lay ahead, determined to find the Heart of Noctis and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

As the night deepened, the three of them sat in silence.