Aldwyn is fit again

Over the next three days, Aldwyn trained his body and his skills with a ferocity that was almost religious in its intensity. He pushed himself beyond the limits of what he thought was possible. Each swing of the Nightmare Blade was a silent scream, the steel sang as it cut through the air, a mournful melody.

Finally, the day came when he felt he had made enough progress. His muscles were like steel cables, and his mind was a honed blade. After hours of rigorous practice, Aldwyn retreated to his room, his body covered in a sheen of sweat that gleamed under the dim candlelight. The warmth of the candles was a stark contrast to the cold steel of his blade, which lay on the wooden table.

He peeled off his clothes, each piece dropping to the floor like a leaf from a tree in the fall. His room was a sanctuary, a place where he could be alone with his thoughts and his fears. The fireplace had long ago gone out, leaving the room chilly, but he didn't bother to light it again.

The shower was a cocoon of warmth that surrounded him, the water cascading over his skin like a gentle rain. The heat seeped into his muscles, releasing the tension that had built up over the days of relentless training. He stood there, his eyes closed, the droplets caressing his face like a lover's fingertips. The water washed away the sweat and grime.

When he emerged, the room was a blur of steam. He grabbed a towel and began to dry himself off, the fabric rough against his skin.

A knock at the door interrupted his solitude. He wrapped the towel around his waist. "Enter," he called out, his voice echoing through the mist.

The door creaked open, and Lila stepped in, her eyes wary. "Aldwyn," she began tentatively, "are you okay?"

His silver eyes piercing through the fog. "I'm fine," he assured her, his tone clipped. "Just preparing for what's to come."

Lila's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson. She couldn't help but be drawn to the stark beauty of his form, the water droplets clinging to his skin like tiny diamonds. The sight of his bare chest and the defined muscles beneath was something she hadn't anticipated. She felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through her, a feeling she quickly tried to suppress.

"I...I didn't mean to disturb you," she stammered, her eyes darting around the room, avoiding his gaze.

Aldwyn's expression softened, a rare occurrence. "You're not," he said, his voice a gentle rumble. "What brings you here?"

Lila took a step closer, the warmth of the room seeping into her. "I... I wanted to check on you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You've been... different lately."

Aldwyn nodded, his gaze drifting to the floor. "There are some issues I need to take care of." he murmured. "But don't worry, I'm fine."

Aldwyn's gaze went back to her and with a smile that didn't really seem genuine, he said, "If you'll excuse me, Lila. I have to go change."

With that, he disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door. Lila took a moment to compose herself before leaving the room, her thoughts racing with concerns for Aldwyn.

Once alone, Aldwyn approached the full-length mirror adorning the wall. The man who stared back at him was a study in contrasts. He studied his reflection, the silver eyes seemingly piercing through the glass and into his very soul. His skin was still pale, almost translucent from the recent exertion, and the three-day stubble had grown thicker, giving him a more menacing look.

He donned his usual attire, each piece a silent declaration of his intent and purpose. The charcoal-gray hooded coat, a testament to his ability to resist fire, frost, and lightning. It fell in a cascade of fabric, the hem brushing the floor with a whisper of defiance against the cold stone underfoot. The material was smooth to the touch, yet sturdy enough to withstand the harshest of battles.

Next, he secured the Black Elemental revolver in its holster, the weapon feeling like an extension of his own arm, a tool of his will. The smooth, black metal glinted in the candlelight, the elements coiled within it like a slumbering beast waiting to be unleashed.

He took a deep breath, feeling the coldness of the room seep into his bones. The quiet was broken only by the soft rustle of his clothes and the sound of his heart, a steady rhythm that matched the ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway.

With a swift, practiced motion, Aldwyn picked up the Nightmare Blade from the table. The black material of the blade was eerily still, absorbing the flickering candlelight like a bottomless pit. He studied the blade, feeling its power resonate with his own.

With a flick of his wrist, the weapon vanished into the shadows of his bag, the leather seemingly swallowing the steel whole. It was a sight that never failed to intrigue him.

He conjured from his bag the note he had received from Blackwood. The ink still fresh and dark against the cream-colored background. Unfolding it, he read the message once more, his eyes lingering on the words that had set him on this path.

„Gravel Street. 9 Third floor."

Aldwyn crumpled the note up and threw it away. "Let's hope his plan works..." He mumbled to himself.

The dining room was a picture of opulence, with a long table set with fine china and silverware that gleamed under the soft light of the crystal chandelier above. The aroma of roasting meats and freshly baked bread filled the air, making his stomach growl despite his preoccupation.

Aldwyn took his seat at the head of the table, his eyes scanning the lavish spread before him.

The first dish that caught his eye was a platter of roast boar, the meat glistening with a dark, rich sauce. The aroma was intoxicating, a blend of herbs and spices that spoke of a master chef's touch. He carved a generous portion, the knife slicing through the tender flesh with an ease that belied the creature's former might. Each bite was a symphony of flavor, the meat melting in his mouth, leaving a lingering warmth that seemed to chase away the chill from his soul.

Next, he picked at a bowl of steaming vegetables, their vibrant colors standing out against the darker tones of the meat. The crispness of the carrots and the tender snap of the green beans served as a stark contrast to the heavy richness of the boar. The flavors melded together.

Finishing his meal, Aldwyn pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. Lady Roxanne and Lord Adrian looked up at him, their own expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. "Thank you for your hospitality," he said, his voice as smooth as the wine that had accompanied their meal. "But I must take my leave."

He made his way to Lila's room, his footsteps echoing through the grand corridor like the tolling of a distant bell. As he approached her door, he paused, his hand hovering over the brass knob.

He knocked, the sound a sharp rap echoing through the wood. The silence that followed was deafening, stretching out like a tightly wound spring. Then, the door creaked open, revealing Lila's concerned face, framed by the soft glow of candlelight. She looked at him, her eyes searching his.

"You're leaving?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He looked at her in silence for a few seconds before answering. "Yes, but only for a short time. I still have a few things to do... but before I go, I had something for you."