The voice was deep and familiar, like a distant memory that she couldn't quite place. She spun around, her heart racing with anticipation, but then froze in shock. There, standing in the shadows, was a man who looked exactly like the boy in the photo over the fireplace. It was uncanny how much he resembled her long-lost uncle Silas - tall and broad-shouldered, with an intimidating presence that reminded her of her father. His dark hair fell messily around his angular face, and his piercing black eyes seemed to hold secrets untold. As he stepped forward into the light, a predatory grin spread across his features, sending shivers down her spine.

"Perhaps you should learn to find your way around your own home" he said amused. There was a cold bitterness to his voice that chilled her to the core.

"I was going to find you but I think it's far more efficient to bring the prey to the hunter wouldn't you agree?" He mocked.

"What do you want?" She barely managed to croak out her voice almost frozen in fear.

His lips curled into a cruel smile."Your so much like your father Lyra."

It felt much different coming from his lips than Cordelia's, there was a deep malice behind his words she was terrified to face.

He chuckled, but there was a hint of malice in his tone. "It's almost a shame to put out such a promising flame," he said, pausing as his expression hardened. "But the Pyrae have always been a thorn in our side." His gaze shifted towards her, his eyes narrowing. "You, my dear niece, are the final puzzle piece and the most difficult one to obtain." He grumbled, clearly frustrated by the years it took to track down her father. "But you can't hide from the darkness forever. Night always falls." The way he smiled sent shivers down her spine. "Did you know it was me who killed them?" he asked, relishing in their deaths. "Watching them burn was such a cleansing moment. Your mother, like a wilted flower in the heat, and your strong father struggling until the very end. I witnessed your last exchange with him. It's almost funny how he thought you could escape when he couldn't."

Rage ignited like a wildfire within her, coursing through every fiber of her being. "You monster!" she screamed, her voice cracking with emotion. "How could you? You killed my parents!" Tears blurred her vision as she spat out her words, a mix of anger and heartache. Silas's eyes narrowed and his expression turned into a cold mask of malice. "Such a spirited child," he muttered, his voice dripping with venom. "But defiance is a luxury you can no longer afford." In one swift motion, he lunged forward and pinned her against the wall by her throat, his grip unyielding like an iron vice. Panic consumed her as she struggled to breathe, clawing desperately at his hand that felt like it was crushing her windpipe. It was then that she realized this was no longer about shadows and secrets - it was a brutal fight for survival. Just as despair threatened to overtake her, she saw a blur of movement as someone tackled Silas away from her, their bodies colliding with a deafening crash that echoed through the silent halls. The newcomer was cloaked in darkness, their face impossible to discern in the dimly lit hallway. The two men circled each other like predatory animals ready to strike. Suddenly, the sound of multiple footsteps rushing towards them filled the air - the struggle must have alerted the manor. Silas's form began to disappear into the shadows, but before he vanished completely, she heard his chilling laugh echoing through the hallway, promising retribution and pain.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

"This is just the beginning, Lyra" he hissed, his voice carrying a dire promise.

Lyra sunk to the ground. Left alone with the mysterious stranger her heart was racing as the events that just happened sunk in. The past few minutes had shattered her reality and revealed the darkness that was lurking. The sound of approaching footsteps broke through the fog in her mind.

As they approached the hallway got lighter and she was able to see her savior.

He stood before her in a regal knight's attire, straight out of the pages of the manga she used to devour. The polished armor glinted in the sunlight, highlighting his muscular physique. His dark bronze hair was cropped short, drawing attention to his chiseled jawline and high cheekbones. But it was his piercing blue eyes that held her gaze, filled with both concern and an unwavering sense of nobility.

"Can you stand, miss Lyra?" He asked reaching a hand out to her.

She was too shocked to speak but gratefully accepted his help. A group of guards and servants had gathered due to the commotion. Once they saw Lyra their faces immediately shifted to concern.

"Dorian," a kind older looking servant lady said "what happened here?"

"I was making my nightly rounds when I heard a thud. I rushed toward the sound and found miss Lyra here being attacked by Silas. He must've infiltrated the perimeter at some point. After he heard everyone rushing here he retreated but we should still do a sweep and check the perimeter." He replied with an air of authority.

Dorian extended his arm towards Lyra, palm open in a silent invitation. She gratefully took hold and allowed him to guide her through the winding corridors of the castle. Without Silas' meddling, the journey seemed shorter and less exhausting. As they arrived at her room, the door swung open to reveal her twin maids waiting eagerly for her return. They immediately pulled her into a tight hug, showering her with love and affection..

"Oh my gosh, Lyra are you alright?!?" Sarah exclaimed her voice a mix of worry and relief.

Samantha scanned Lyra for any injuries but save a hand shaped bruise on her throat she appeared fine. Dorian assures them that she was ok now and agreed to stand guard at her door for the night. The twins ushered Lyra into the room their concern for her making her feel much more at ease after the events of the day. As they helped her prepare for bed they tried to make conversation, an attempt to distract her from the terrifying events that had unfolded.

As much as she appreciated their efforts she couldn't stop her mind from wandering back to the confrontation with Sirus. As she slipped into bed knowing Dorian was guarding the door made her feel like she had a shield of protection against the dark. She closed her eyes hoping for a restful sleep but Silas's face even haunted her in her dreams.