BURNING BETRAYAL - PART 1

Chapter 6 - Thirst for Betrayal

Eric was lying low in his room after a few days of stepping out of his house. His uncle, opened the door to his room to inform him that someone was looking for him. Eric was so surprised as he wasn't expecting any visitors.

"Who is that uncle?" Eric asked

"She didn't say her name"

"She?" Eric's heart skipped a beat

Eric got up from his bed to go check it out. To his greatest surprise, it was Aurora.

Eric's eyes widened in surprise as he stared at Aurora, his mind racing with questions. What was she doing here? Why would she come to my place without informing me? And why did she look so determined, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint?

"Aurora?" Eric said, his voice laced with confusion. "What are you doing here?"

Aurora's smile faltered for a moment, her eyes darting around the grand hallway. "I...I wanted to surprise you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Eric's gaze narrowed, his mind racing with the implications. "Did you my dad see you?" he asked, his voice firm but controlled.

Aurora's eyes dropped, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I don't know if the man who answered me was your dad," she said, her voice barely audible.

Eric's eyes widened in disbelief. "Aurora, please you need to leave" he said, his voice low and serious. "My father must not see you here"

Aurora's eyes flashed with defiance, her jaw setting in a determined line. "I had to see you, Eric," she said, her voice firm. "I haven't seen you for days now."

Eric's heart skipped a beat at her words, his mind racing with the realization.

"I know, I know it's just that, I um....I wasn't expecting to see you at my place....I mean...."

"Are you sending me away Eric?" Aurora asked cutting him off.

" No no....I um....."

King William showed up from nowhere, sighting Eric and Aurora from the big living room, he pretended to be welcoming

"Eric who's your new friend, let her come in, aren't you going to introduce her to me?" Eric dad asked

Eric was confused by what his father said. His father disliked humans, so why would he say something like that.

"My name's is aurora" she said to king William

King William's eyes gleamed with a calculating intensity as he smiled at Aurora, his voice dripping with false warmth. "Ah, Aurora, a beautiful name for a beautiful young woman. Come, join us for lunch. We don't often get visitors here."

Aurora's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze flicking to Eric as she wondered why Eric said his father must not see her around. But she smiled politely and followed King William into the grand dining room, her heart racing with anticipation.

Eric trailed behind them, his mind racing with questions. What was his father up to? Why was he being so welcoming to a human? He knew his father's views on humans, and it didn't add up.

As they sat down at the table, King William gestured to Aurora to take a seat. "So, Aurora, tell me about yourself. What brings you to our humble abode?"

Aurora's eyes met Eric's, and she hesitated for a moment before launching into a brief explanation of her visit.

"Eric and I have seeing each other lately"

"Oh is that true? How come Eric hasn't said anything about you." King William said looking at Eric and Aurora.

"Well I don't know.."

Eric's eyes never left his father's face, searching for any sign of what was really going on.

"Tell me more about yourself Aurora" king William said to her.

Aurora talked about her profession and all about her self as King William listened intently, his expression unreadable. But Eric knew him too well. He could sense the wheels turning in his father's mind, calculating and scheming. What was he after?

After they finished their dinner, the clinking of silverware and the hum of conversation fading into the background, Eric gently took Aurora’s hand and led her through the dimly lit corridors of the grand mansion. Eric was unusually quiet, his footsteps soft and deliberate.

As they reached the door to his luxurious room, Eric took a deep breath and turned to face Aurora, who looked at him with a mix of curiosity and concern. “Aurora, I’m sorry,” he began, his voice hesitant and heavy with unspoken regret.

Aurora raised an eyebrow, her eyes reflecting the glow of the nearby candlelight. “Sorry? For what, exactly? You were acting so strange earlier, like your father was about to come after me or something.”

Eric’s expression faltered, and he looked down at his hands for a moment before meeting her gaze again. “It’s not like that. You wouldn’t understand,” he said, his tone a blend of frustration and sadness.

Aurora frowned, her brow furrowing as she tried to grasp the meaning behind his words. “Then make me understand. I mean, you were acting weird and off. What’s going on?”

Before Eric could respond, the door to the room creaked open and Uncle James stepped inside, his presence a stark contrast to the intimacy of the moment. “Um, sorry to disturb you, Eric,” he said, his tone polite but urgent. “Your dad sent for you.”

Eric’s eyes widened slightly, and he glanced at Aurora with an apologetic look. “Aurora, I’ll be back in a minute, please wait for me here.”

Aurora gave a nod, though her eyes were still clouded with confusion and concern. She took a seat on the edge of a plush armchair, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress as she watched Eric follow Uncle James out of the room. The door closed behind them with a soft click, leaving Aurora alone amidst the opulent surroundings, her mind racing with questions and unease about the mysterious tension between Eric and his father.

The door creaked open, and Uncle James stepped into the room with a warm, welcoming smile. He glanced around and spotted Aurora sitting on the edge of the couch, her eyes wandering over the elegant decor of the room as if she were trying to find something to focus on.

"Is everything alright, Aurora?" Uncle James inquired, his tone gentle and reassuring.

Aurora looked up at him, her face brightening slightly at the sight of his familiar face. "Yes, Uncle James," she replied, though her voice carried a hint of loneliness.

Uncle James moved closer and took a seat in the armchair opposite her. "Eric is a little bit busy with his dad right now," he explained, his eyes twinkling with kindness. "I thought I’d come by to keep you company so you wouldn’t feel alone."

Aurora nodded gratefully. "That’s very kind of you. I was just starting to wonder what Eric and his dad are up to."

Uncle James chuckled softly. "Well, they’re having a bit of a father-son catch-up session. It’s been a while since they’ve had a chance to sit down and talk. But I’m here now, so let’s make the most of it."

Aurora's curiosity was piqued. "So, what’s Eric like? I know he’s been busy, but he seems nice. I just wanted to hear from your side"

Uncle James leaned back in his chair, his eyes reflecting fondness. "Eric is a wonderful young man. He’s smart, kind-hearted, and always puts family first. He’s been working hard, but he still finds time to help out around here and look after things. It’s not always easy for him, but he manages."

Aurora smiled at the warm description of Eric. "That’s good to hear. I’m really looking forward to spending more time with him."

Seeing her interest, Uncle James’s eyes lit up. "You know, since you’re here, why don’t I show you around the mansion? There’s quite a bit to see, and I think you might enjoy exploring a bit."

Aurora’s eyes widened with excitement. "Oh, I’d love that!"

Uncle James stood up, gesturing toward the door with a grand sweep of his hand. "Then let’s begin. I’ll take you through the rooms and show you some of the history behind this old house."

As they walked through the grand hallways, Uncle James began to narrate tales of the mansion’s past except the part about them being a Lycan, pointing out various family heirlooms and historical artifacts along the way. Aurora listened intently, her initial unease melting away as she became absorbed in the rich history and beautiful surroundings of her new home