Ashes of Devotion

The Meeting

Dawn broke over the Winchester estate in a soft golden glow, but the cold remained sharp and unforgiving. Daniel and his men rose early, shaking off the remnants of sleep and preparing themselves for the day ahead. His nightmare still clung to him like a ghost, the images of Emilia bloodied and lifeless flickering behind his eyes with every breath. He forced the thoughts away, focusing instead on the mission. The dream was nothing more than an illusion, a trick of his subconscious. He had no use for superstition.

They dressed meticulously, ensuring their appearances were flawless, wealthy but not ostentatious, confident but not arrogant. Everything about them needed to exude power and legitimacy. They were here as noble allies, not mere soldiers in disguise. The charade had to be seamless, for the Winchesters were known to be ruthless in their dealings, both in business and in politics.

As they made their way toward the main house, they passed through the vast gardens of the estate. The winter chill had turned the grounds into a vision of frost-laced beauty. The hedges were perfectly sculpted, the statues dusted with the lightest layer of snow, and yet, despite its splendor, there was something off. The servants worked diligently, pruning the greenery, clearing pathways, but not a single one of them looked up as Daniel and his men passed. They kept their heads down, moving with the kind of silence that suggested not deference, but fear.

Daniel caught sight of a man dressed as a gardener, clipping the roses with careful precision, but something about him was too sharp, too aware. Then another—a maid whose posture was too rigid for someone merely fetching firewood. Spies. The Winchesters had their own watchers placed among the staff, ensuring every movement on their property was accounted for.

Hale, walking beside him, whispered under his breath, "They have eyes everywhere."

Daniel gave a curt nod, keeping his expression neutral. "We expected this. Act natural."

As they approached the grand entrance of the mansion, the massive doors were opened for them by a pair of footmen. They stepped into the grand hall, where the warmth of the roaring fireplace contrasted sharply with the frigid air outside. The space was vast, opulent without being gaudy, with towering marble columns and intricately carved wooden paneling. The chandeliers above shimmered in the morning light, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and spiced pastries lingering in the air.

At the far end of the hall stood Lord and Lady Winchester.

Lord Winchester was a tall man, broad-shouldered and severe, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that spoke of old money and power. His silver hair was slicked back, and his sharp eyes appraised Daniel and his men with the kind of scrutiny that made lesser men falter. Beside him, Lady Winchester exuded quiet authority, her beauty regal and composed, but her gaze no less penetrating.

"Welcome," Lord Winchester said, his voice measured but firm. "We have heard much about your return, Lord Blackwood. It is good to finally make your acquaintance."

Daniel gave a practiced smile and bowed slightly, just enough to show respect without appearing subservient. "The pleasure is mine, Lord Winchester. Your hospitality is most generous."

Lady Winchester’s lips curved ever so slightly. "We value strong alliances. And we always take care of those who prove themselves worthy."

There was an unspoken weight to her words, a test hidden beneath the pleasantries.

Daniel’s expression remained unreadable. "I hope to be among those you consider worthy."

The room fell into a momentary silence, a quiet exchange of unspoken challenges passing between them. Finally, Lord Winchester gestured toward the grand dining hall. "Come, let us have breakfast. There is much to discuss."

As they moved forward, Daniel glanced subtly around the room, searching for signs of Emilia or Colette. He had expected them to be present for the formal greeting, but there was no trace of them.

The dining hall was just as extravagant as the entrance, adorned with elaborate golden fixtures and a table set with the finest china. A long window stretched across one side of the room, allowing morning light to spill inside, illuminating the intricately carved chairs and the velvet drapes framing the entrance.

Servants moved soundlessly, setting platters of fresh fruit, warm bread, and rich meats before them. Despite the lavish spread, the air was thick with something unseen, something lurking beneath the surface.

Feigning casual curiosity, Daniel turned to Lord Winchester. "Will anyone else be joining us this morning?"

Lord Winchester’s gaze sharpened just slightly, too quickly for most to notice, but Daniel caught it. A flicker of suspicion, a calculation being made.

"No," he said smoothly, though Daniel could tell the question had unsettled him. "My daughters have other matters to attend to this morning."

Daniel offered an easy smile, masking the growing tension beneath his ribs. "Of course. I was merely curious."

Lady Winchester's gaze lingered on him longer than necessary. There was something watchful in her expression, something inquisitive. "It is rare for guests to inquire about my daughters so soon after their arrival."

Daniel held her gaze, unaffected. "I simply believe in knowing all members of the household. In business, understanding a family’s structure often leads to better alliances."

Lord Winchester nodded slowly, but there was no mistaking the calculating glint in his eyes. "A wise approach."

The air in the room grew heavier.

Daniel had walked into negotiations before, had stood before men whose very presence could crush kingdoms. But the Winchesters played their game differently. They were refined, eloquent, masking their scrutiny behind pleasantries and soft smiles.

As the conversation moved forward, Daniel forced himself to focus. They discussed trade, alliances, the coming winter’s impact on resources. But underneath it all, Daniel knew one thing, he had just stepped into the heart of a viper’s nest, and every move from here on out had to be made with care.

Because the Winchesters were already watching him far too closely.