Aric walked briskly down the corridors of Arkwright Manor, his footsteps echoing faintly against the polished floors. Overhead, fluorescent lights hummed softly, casting a warm glow that illuminated every room they passed.
In just two weeks, an astonishing transformation had taken place: out of the estate's 300 rooms, over a third now boasted air conditioners, exhaust systems, ceiling fans, and heated floors. It was a monumental achievement—one Aric hadn't accomplished alone.
The dwarves sent by Thorin proved to be invaluable allies. While none could match Thorin's mastery of earth magic, their skill was undeniable. They summoned flat pillars outside windows with surprising efficiency, providing stable platforms for installing exhaust vents.
Wiring snaked neatly through walls, sockets were placed strategically, and solar generators had been constructed on rooftops to power the entire system sustainably.
Despite their initial skepticism about him, the dwarves had warmed up significantly. Their heavy accents—thick and guttural—filled the halls as they exchanged jokes and instructions.
"Oi, lad!" called Grumlin Ironvein, his voice gruff but oddly cheerful.
"Dis wire needs yer fancy touch. Borin here says 'e cannae figure it out."
Borin, shot Grumlin a glare.
"Bah! I said no such thing. Just… this human contraption is tricky, alright?"
Aric chuckled, stepping forward to help.
"Don't worry, Borin. You're doing great. Let me show you how to secure the connection properly."
Aric couldn't help but feel a sense of closeness growing between them.
These dwarves, who once viewed me with suspicion, now treated me with respect. God I do love master builders. Still took an effort to work late into the night with them and talk with them.
It wasn't just his inventions that earned their trust; it was his willingness to teach, to share knowledge openly.
But then came the 17th of April—a day destined to strip away any semblance of peace.
When Aric entered Seraphina's chambers, his jaw dropped. The space before him was vast, easily six times the size of a standard guest room. High ceilings stretched upward, adorned with intricate carvings that shimmered under the light of newly installed fixtures.
A massive four-poster bed dominated the center, its velvet drapes cascading like waterfalls. And there she stood—Seraphina Arkwright herself—her silver hair catching the glow of the chandelier above her.
She wore a silk robe that clung to her curves, the scent of rose drifting subtly through the air.
That same soap he'd conjured weeks ago, reluctantly crafted at her demand. Its fragrance lingered around her.
[Ohhhhhh Aric.] Ivy murmured sarcastically in his mind.
[I wonder what your wife smells like? Roses? I wonder how that happened.]
Ivy, please.Not now. Aric thought back, trying to steady his breathing.
Avoiding eye contact proved impossible. Every movement Seraphina made drew his attention unwillingly. When she finally spoke, her voice sliced through the tension,
"Vayne." she began coldly,
"Tell me, are you enjoying yourself? Or does my presence annoy you?"
Aric swallowed hard, trying to keep his eyes fixed on the floor.
Why is she so hot? Smelling like roses, dressing like some sort of model.
"Your Grace, I'm merely overseeing the installation process. Nothing more."
She laughed bitterly,
"Overseeing? You orchestrated this entire charade—from the lavender-scented gifts to these… technological marvels which I hate to admit it. But it's just another trick to manipulate everyone isn't it?"
Ivy, why does she always assume manipulation? I get Vayne was shit but can't it tone down? Like I'm doing anything but. Plus I need the money to clear out Vayne's stupid debt. Aric spoke internally.
[Baby, everything you do screams manipulation to her. Even if your intentions are pure, she sees poison.]
Seraphina continued,
"I trust you're excited about 'your lover's' arrival in two days' time? Oh, how quaint. Shall we prepare the office chair for old times' sake?"
Aric clenched his fists tightly, forcing himself not to react. He knew better than to engage when she taunted him.
The chair, the chair. What even happened in that chair man? Is it like 'that moment' where everything just broke?
Grumlin cleared his throat awkwardly, breaking the suffocating silence.
"Uh, Your Grace… if ye don't mind me sayin', maybe we should focus on finishin' the installments? We're almost done fer today."
Seraphina turned her gaze toward the dwarf, her expression softening,
"Very well."
As the dwarves resumed their work, Borin whispered to Aric,
"Yer Grace, uh… I gotta say somethin'. Prince Thorin told us 'bout yer amnesia an' all. Said ye ain't the same bloke anymore. Whatever sins ye committed b'fore, well… I dunno what t' believe. But seein' how she treats ye…"
He trailed off, shaking his head. "It's painful, lad. Even fer someone like me."
Aric nodded, grateful for the dwarf's kindness.
I am so lucky these guys understand me! Thank you Thorin! I'll make sure to introduce the wonders of cocktails for you.
By evening, the work was finally complete. Cold air flowed steadily from the air conditioner and lights glowed brightly, casting a serene ambiance throughout the room.
One by one, the dwarves filed out, bowing respectfully to Seraphina before departing.
"We'll resume tomorrow, Your Grace." Grumlin announced.
With that, the last of them disappeared, leaving Aric and Seraphina alone.
Aric moved toward the door, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere.
"Goodnight, Your Grace." he said, making his way to the door.
Shadow tendrils shot out, slamming the door shut and locking it firmly.
Seraphina stepped closer, her movements deliberate and predatory.
"No one to defend you now, Vayne." she told with her voice low and menacing.
"No manipulated dwarves, no distractions. Just you and me."
Aric froze, his heart pounding wildly. Even as a soldier who had faced battle, he couldn't suppress the shiver running down his spine.
Shit! Shit! Shit! I'm gonna die. Aric thought in a panic.
"You may think you've changed." she continued, circling him slowly.
"But let me make one thing clear: I will never forgive you. Never. And when Callista arrives, I'll make sure you regret every breath you take."
Her final words sent a chill through the air, sharp enough to pierce even the hardest soul. As the weight of her hatred settled over him, Aric realized something terrifying.
He was truly trapped.