The Frozen Hour

Within a dark room which was only illuminated by a single lantern placed at the centre of a round table, three chairs were placed near the round table and on those chairs sat three masked figures, each of their masks had a small horn growing out from the forehead. Which pointed to their hierarchy in The Crimson Moon.

"Is everything ready?" one of the masked figures with brown eyes asked as he looked at the masked figure with the grey eyes.

"It is." the grey eyed figure replied with a small nod to the brown eyed figure's question. 

"When do you plan to attack?" asked the third masked figure who had green eyes.

"I plan to attack both Damien and Anieal Starborne on the same day." The grey eyed figure answered the green eyed figure's question.

"Are you sure about the turners?" the brown eyes figure asked with a suspicious tone. 

"I do not." the grey eyed figure answered without hiding and continued

"I have my spies within them so everything will be as we planned." the grey eyed figure concluded as he looked at others with his confident eyes.

The other two figures nodded at his words and spoke together.

""For the demon lord.""

"For the demon lord."

***

A room with smooth white walls and systematically spaced tinted blue glass windows gave it a modern look. Multiple photo frames lined the walls, and a flat-screen TV was mounted at the centre, playing a scene of a yellow-haired boy jumping through trees. A comfy sofa was placed in front of the TV, with a small table for snacks set beside it. An attached washroom featured a half-length mirror above a sink, where water poured steadily from the faucet.

Henna stood in front of the mirror, her breathing was heavy. She had dark circles under her eyes, her hands were shaking as she continued to pour water on her face, seemingly trying to wake up from the twisted dream she was in. But no matter what she did nothing worked, she couldn't wake up from this twisted dream no matter how much she tried.

Tears started to pour out of her eyes as she looked at her hands. She could still remember what had just happened. However, she didn't want to remember that again.

After the accident, Henna recovered within a week and returned to her daily life. She woke up early, got ready for college, cooked and ate her food, went to college and had fun with her friends, she returned to her home and completed all of the needed tasks. Even though she was worried about Anna's health she couldn't do much about it. She was living her normal daily life, that is until today.

***

Anna was currently getting ready to visit the city of Xyontra. She had worn an elegant black gown with intricate golden and silver embroidery adorning it, she had golden star like earrings, A golden pendant lay on her upper body. She had disguised herself as her hair were silver instead of her usual shiny blue hairs, her eyes were onyx-like black instead of emerald-like green. She had used Damien's transformation skill which allowed one to change their body features. However, the changes depend on one's soul. That is why Anna looked very similar to how she did in her soul body.

Anna checked herself out in a full-body mirror as she nodded to herself. She walked towards Veylor who was laying on his belly and picked him up in her arms.

"Let's go, Vey" Anna said as she moved out of her room with Veylor in her arms.

She walked through the hallways of the villa. Her steps echo throughout the lavender blue walls. She soon reached the main entrance of the house and walked towards White who was standing at the clearing where they usually spared with each other. White had donned a black two piece suit with a cream sweatshirt, his hairs were combed.

When Anna looked at him she thought

'He would look much better with his real face…' 

Anna called out to him

"White." Her voice was soft and gentle as she spoke.

White turned around to look at her with a smile and replied with a bow.

"Miss Aniela." He paused for a few moments and continued "You look gorgeous, Miss Anieal."

"Of course I do. Haha!" Anna replied as she chuckled.

White looked at her with a wry smile.

"Don't worry, I'm just joking." Anna spoke once again as she looked at White with amusement.

"Let's go." Anna said and started walking towards the gates of the villa.

White followed behind Anna with even steps.

A carriage stood at the gates. It had a vintage royal feel to it as it was covered in celestial golden carvings, Two horse-like star beasts were strapped to the carriage, their dark manes which looked like they were made of shadows themselves floating around like mist. Anna climbed the carriage and White followed suit. The carriage started to move as the shadow-maned star beasts snorted as they started to pull the carriage.

The carriage left the villa behind and moved through the dimly lit smooth-stoned streets of Xyontra, the streets were packed with activity, vendors were shouting as they tried to sell their goods, kids could be seen running around, carriages moving in hurry and much more.

Anna was looking out of the carriage with a small sweet smile on her face. Her eyes were sparkling as she looked at the buildings of the Xyontra city. All of the buildings had a vintage feel to them with a blend of modern architecture, the buildings looked like they were a mixture of a vintage-steampunk era. It looked beautiful.

"Wow." A praise left Anna's lips as she looked at the architecture of the Xyontra city, The capital of Xyonthar kingdom.

White also had a small smile on his scarred face as he looked at Anna's excitement filled face.

"We will be having a meal at The Lunar's blessing." White said as he turned to look out of the carriage.

"How good is that place?" Anna asked curiously.

"It is considered the best hotel in the whole Xyontra city." White answered as he continued to look out of the window.

The carriage moved through the streets of the city with elegance, it took many twists and turns after which it stopped in front of a dazzling building. A crown-like three storey building stood as wide as a small palace in front of them, A big crescent window adorned the centre of it. Its big tinted blue hued windows reflected the moonlight with grace, the intricate carvings and celestial motifs of silver at its frosted pearl white walls made them look much more majestic. A canopy of vibrant flowers and fauna surrounded the stone pathway to its entrance. The building radiated an aura of elegance and mysticism. It was abuzz with activity giving it a charm which made one feel to let all of their worries free and enjoy the moment.

Anna looked at the building in awe, her eyes sparkling like never before. Even though she had been to the Spirit realm, this place just had a charm of its own. It was stunning and Anna wanted nothing more than to jump out of the carriage and explore more of the architecture in front of her. However, White's voice poured a bucket of cold water on her excitement. 

"Please wait for a few more moments, Miss Anieal." White spoke as he stood up, fixed his clothing and walked out of the carriage.

Anna looked at White as she looked away in displeasure. 

"Why is he acting like I am a kid?" Anna mumbled under her breath. 

White walked towards the gate of The Lunar's blessing. Two guards with spears in their hand stood before the gates and when they saw a scared man with crimson eyes walking towards them they crossed their spears and spoke in unison

""Stop!""

White, however, continued walking toward them as he pulled out an envelope from his pocket, handing it to the guard on the left. The guard opened it and looked at the item inside—a black card engraved with a crescent moon adorned with flowers and fauna, surrounded by intricate celestial symbols and constellations

The guard then put back the card in the envelope and returned it to White then both of the guards bowed in ninety degrees and spoke in a loud voice

""Have a nice time, My lord.""

White took the envelope and put it back in his pocket. He then nodded to the guards and turned back as he walked towards the carriage. White knocked on the door of the carriage, which soon opened and walked inside.

The guards opened the gates wide allowing the carriage to enter without any issue whatsoever, Anna looked at White and asked with a thoughtful look.

"Have you been here before?" Anna questioned. She found the way White handled everything quite impressive after all.

"I have not. I just followed what the young master had told me to do." White answered her questions with a shake of his head.

"I see…"

"Why do you call brother Young master instead of Lord like Blake?" Anna questioned as she was curious about the reason behind White's choice of title for Damien.

"It's because I am an orphan who was taken in by lord Dios." White replied with a small smile on his face.

"Oh… I apologise if I made you uncomfortable with my question." Anna said. She felt bad for asking such questions to White, whom she had started to see as a friend.

"It's alright, Miss Anieal." White spoke as he waved his hands a bit.

The carriage soon stopped near the main entrance of The Lunar's Blessing. White walked out of the carriage and gave his hand to Anna to help her descend the carriage without any issue, Anna nodded and grabbed his hand as she also walked out of the carriage.

A servant was standing beside the entrance and when he saw White and Anna he moved towards them and questioned Anna.

"Are you Miss Kinten?" the servant spoke in a calm voice as he bowed his head.

"I am." Anna replied.

"Please follow me." the servant said as he turned around and walked inside, Anna and White followed the servant.

As soon as Anna walked inside a room full of chatter and rhythm came into view. A velvet mat with golden patterns was laid across the floor. To the left, a vintage bar showcased an array of old and new beverages, while a group of musicians played their instruments with finesse beside it. On the right side of the room, elegant dining tables were arranged where guests enjoyed their meals. The floor was softly illuminated by crystal like chandeliers hanging above, casting a gentle glow over the entire space. A staircase was located at the centre of the floor.

The servant continued to move as he made his way towards the second floor, Both of them followed behind him.

The second floor had similar flooring. However, in place of the bar it had a stage on which dancers could be seen dancing as the musicians played their instruments.

The trio continued to move as they soon reached the last floor. The last floor was a lot different then the ones below, as it had white curtains with black embroidery all over it and a single path to walk forward. The servant stood in front of one of the curtains and pushed it away and then he spoke

"This is your arranged area, Miss Kinten." the servant spoke as he bowed towards Anna.

Anna looked at the servant and nodded as she walked towards the area the servant had pointed to.

When she walked there, a small room spacious enough for a family of six to dine comfortably came into view. It had comfy blue couches, a table with a royal blue tablecloth adorned with celestial engravings. There was a small compartment which had beverages for the customers to enjoy during their meal. The room was illuminated by the soft blue light of the blue glass window at the top.

Anna was once again left in awe by the majesty of The Lunar's Blessing.