The Crimson Dawn

Chapter 14

The group stood in the grand foyer of their new home, marveling at the intricate carvings on the walls and the gleaming floors that reflected the golden light from the chandeliers. Their personal butler, a tall, poised man named Victor, smiled at their reactions.

“Shall I give you a tour of the estate?” he asked politely.

Barrett waved him off with a laugh. “We can figure it out ourselves. Go take a break, Victor. You’ve earned it just by putting up with us.”

Victor inclined his head. “Very well. If you need me, I’ll be in the servants’ quarters.”

The group split up, exploring their new home. Barrett claimed the largest bedroom, complete with a fireplace and a balcony overlooking the forest. Stella chose a cozy room with a view of the city, while Ari picked a sunny chamber filled with bookshelves. Aydin opted for a room near the armory, and Raphael found solace in a serene space near the garden. Derick picked the room farthest away from the rest of the group and Gedeon got the last room down the hall.

For the first time in a long while, the group felt at peace.

As they were settling in, a sharp knock echoed through the house. Victor appeared almost instantly, heading to the main door. He opened it and exchanged hushed words with a messenger before returning with a fancy scroll.

The butler cleared his throat. “A message for you all,” he announced, holding the scroll high.

The group gathered in the foyer, curiosity etched on their faces. Victor unrolled the scroll and began to read in his crisp, precise voice:

“To the Crimson Dawn,

You have proven yourselves valiant and capable protectors of Taryndale. To honor your triumphs and welcome you officially as the city’s defenders, the Lord of Taryndale invites you to a grand celebration at the castle tomorrow night. Your presence is eagerly awaited.

Signed, Lord Alden.”

A cheer erupted from the group. “A party in our honor!” Gedeon exclaimed, clapping Barrett on the back.

“We’ll need to dress the part,” Aydin said with a grin. “No more shabby armor and travel-worn cloaks.”

Ari grabbed Stella’s arm excitedly. “We’re going dress shopping! Come on, it’ll be fun!”

Stella hesitated, looking unsure. “I don’t know, Ari. I’m not really—”

“You’re going!” Ari interrupted, dragging her toward the door with a laugh. “We’re going to find something amazing for you!”

The men watched them leave before exchanging glances.

“Well, if they’re going to look fancy, we can’t show up looking like commoners,” Raphael said, adjusting his cloak.

Barrett groaned. “Fancy clothes? I’d rather wear my armor.”

Aydin laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, big guy. I’ll help you find something that won’t make you look too ridiculous.”

The men set off into the city, ready to prepare for the celebration of their newfound status. Excitement buzzed in the air as the group embraced this rare moment of joy, each of them looking forward to the night ahead.

The guys strolled through the bustling streets of town, the late afternoon sun casting warm hues over the cobblestone roads. Market vendors called out to passersby, selling everything from fresh produce to ornate trinkets. Aydin led the group confidently, keeping an eye out for the tailoring shop he’d heard about earlier.

It wasn’t long before they found it—a quaint, well-kept shop with a large window display showcasing fine suits and cloaks. The men filed inside, greeted by a friendly tailor who began measuring and offering suggestions.

Aydin helped each of them pick outfits that suited their personalities. For Barrett, a rugged yet refined black ensemble with silver accents. Raphael opted for a deep blue suit with golden embroidery that complimented his solemn demeanor. Derick chose a dark red outfit that oozed charisma, perfect for his bold personality. Gedeon chose a simple black suit with white accents.

Finally, Aydin found his own—black and gold embroidered suit fitting him perfectly. The intricate designs on the lapel and vest shimmered in the light, complementing his dark attire with just the right amount of elegance.

As they left the shop, the group was in high spirits, laughing and joking about how sharp they’d look at the party. They walked the streets, their voices mingling with the lively sounds of the town, until Aydin’s attention was drawn elsewhere.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Stella through the window of another shop. She stood with Ari, laughing as she admired herself in a mirror, wearing a flowing green dress. Her laughter was like music, and the way her eyes sparkled made Aydin’s chest tighten.

He couldn’t help but smile, warmth spreading through him as he thought, She has the most beautiful smile.

“Oi, Aydin!” Barrett’s voice jolted him out of his thoughts.

“Hmm?” he said, tearing his gaze away from Stella.

“We’re stopping here,” Derick announced, pointing to a brightly lit building. The sign above the door read The Velvet Rose.

“A brothel!” Barrett added with a wide grin.

The group whooped in excitement, except for Aydin, who immediately felt his face heat up.

“I’m good,” Aydin said quickly, waving them off. “I’ll just meet you guys back at home.”

Barrett clapped him on the shoulder. “Come on, man. When was the last time you got laid?”

Aydin’s face turned an even deeper shade of red. “I—uh—” he stammered, unable to come up with a convincing response. Truthfully, he’d never been with a woman before. His noble upbringing had instilled a sense of restraint in him that he hadn’t yet shaken.

Derick smirked. “Don’t tell me you’re still a virgin?”

Aydin shot him a glare, but his flustered expression gave him away. Shrugging, he muttered, “It’s not like it’s anyone’s business,” before quickly walking away.

The others called after him, but Aydin ignored them, heading back toward their new home.

When he arrived, Victor, their butler, greeted him at the door. Aydin offered a polite nod and made his way to the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves. Cooking always helped him clear his head, and after the day’s events, he needed the distraction.

He started chopping vegetables, his mind drifting back to the sight of Stella in the dress shop. The memory made his heart race, and he couldn’t help but wonder what she would wear to the party.

Lost in thought, he didn’t hear the soft footsteps behind him.

“What are you making?”

Startled, Aydin turned to see Stella sitting at the table, her usual smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

“Oh, Stella! I didn’t hear you come in, love,” he said, his voice flustered but warm. “Just making something light. You hungry?”

Stella smiled, resting her chin on her hand. “A little.”

Aydin smiled nervously, turning back to his work. He busied himself with chopping vegetables and stirring a pot over the fire, trying to ignore how his heart raced just from Stella being in the room.

“What are you making, anyway?” she asked, her tone casual but curious.

“Uh, just a simple stew,” Aydin replied, glancing over his shoulder at her. “Figured something warm would do us all good after the day we’ve had.”

Stella leaned back in her chair, watching him with a small smile. “You’re full of surprises, you know. I didn’t think nobles like you cooked.”

Aydin froze for a moment, his knife still in hand, before resuming his chopping. “I may have grown up with servants, but that doesn’t mean I never learned how to fend for myself. Besides,” he added with a shy grin, “cooking’s kind of… calming.”

Stella laughed softly, the sound making Aydin’s chest tighten again. “Never took you for the domestic type.”

“Well,” he said, turning to face her briefly, “there’s a lot about me you don’t know.”

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air between them felt heavier, charged with something unspoken. Aydin quickly turned back to the fire, his face heating up.

“You’re blushing,” Stella teased, leaning forward with a playful grin.

“No, I’m not,” he lied, stirring the pot more vigorously than necessary.

“Sure you’re not,” she said, her voice dripping with amusement.

They fell into a comfortable silence after that, the only sounds in the kitchen the bubbling of the stew and the occasional clatter of utensils. Aydin finished cooking and brought over two bowls, setting one in front of Stella before taking a seat across from her.

She took a bite, her expression softening. “This is really good.”

Aydin couldn’t help but smile. “Glad you like it.”

They ate quietly for a while, the atmosphere surprisingly peaceful. Then, Stella broke the silence.

“Thanks for this,” she said, her voice softer than usual. “I didn’t realize how much I needed it—just… sitting and not thinking about changelings or fights or whatever’s next.”

Aydin looked at her, his heart swelling with affection. “Anytime, Stella. Really.”

Her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she smiled and stood up. “Well, I’m off to bed. Don’t stay up too late, okay?”

Aydin nodded, watching as she left the kitchen. Once she was gone, he let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

What are you doing, Aydin? he thought to himself. You’re falling for her, and it’s only going to make things more complicated.

But despite his inner doubts, he couldn’t stop the smile that crept onto his face as he cleaned up the kitchen, replaying every word and smile Stella had shared with him that evening.