NOVEL WEB Chapter 16: Shadows at the Gate
The sky above the Pierce Estate was heavy—not with clouds, but with tension.
Aaron stood before the iron gates, Ashen beside him, both cloaked in dust and silence. The wind shifted, colder now. The estate no longer felt like sanctuary. It waited. Like a beast poised to strike.
> "Something's off," Aaron muttered.
Ashen said nothing. His grip on Aaron's hand tightened.
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🏰 Inside the Estate
Frankfurt Pierce stood in the grand hall, staring into a hearth fire that gave no warmth.
Kain entered quietly.
> "The boy has returned."
Frankfurt's eyes narrowed.
> "Good. Then the real game begins."
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🔥 The Return
The heavy doors swung open. Aaron stepped inside.
Boots whispered ash across marble floors. Silence stretched thick.
> "You look older," Frankfurt said, eyes flicking to the pale blue fire burning in Aaron's gaze.
Aaron nodded once.
> "And you look more cautious."
Frankfurt gestured toward the long dining table.
> "We have much to discuss."
Kain led Ashen away. The child glanced back once, uncertain.
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🍷 The Conversation
They sat.
> "Lucien was waiting for me," Aaron said quietly.
"He knew where I'd go. Knew... what I'd see."
Frankfurt poured a deep crimson drink, watching Aaron.
> "And now you know who he is?"
> "Worse," Aaron replied.
"I know who I might become."
Frankfurt studied him, then nodded.
> "Good. Then you're ready."
Aaron blinked.
> "Ready for what?"
> "To stop reacting. To start moving pieces."
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🕯️ The Council's Invitation
Frankfurt slid a sealed letter across the table. The wax bore the sigil of House Eldemar—a sun split in two.
Aaron read quickly.
> "The Council wants to speak with me?"
Frankfurt nodded.
> "They know you're alive. And they're afraid."
Aaron's jaw clenched.
> "So they invite me for a talk?"
> "No." Frankfurt's voice was low.
"They invite you to test your silence."
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🌒 A Hidden Warning
That night, Aaron wandered alone through the west garden.
A whisper slithered from the hedge maze.
> "Don't trust the stars."
He spun—nothing.
But carved deep in the bark of a nearby tree were three words:
> "They killed her."
His hand flared with flame. Not rage. Recognition.
---
🔚 End Scene
From a high balcony, Ashen watched.
He no longer feared Aaron's fire.
He feared what would happen when Aaron learned to aim it.