Chapter 5

The early morning sun cast a warm, golden hue over the bustling city streets. It had been a few days since Victor visited me in my hotel room, and I had meticulously prepared for this moment, my heart pounding in anticipation of what lay ahead. I raised a hand and signaled for a horse-drawn carriage, its polished exterior gleaming in the sunlight. It pulled up beside me as soon as I finished waving to the driver and handed me into the carriage. It was then that I noticed the figure standing beside the driver's door. He was handsome enough, but not in a way one typically sees in a nobleman or gentleman; he looked like he belonged on some back street corner, with an armful of books and a cane. When our gazes met, however, his lips curled upward in a faint smile. I gave him a small nod of acknowledgment in return.

As the carriage set into motion, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against cobblestones provided a soothing rhythm, harmonizing with the symphony of morning sounds. I watched as the cityscape transformed around me, with the vibrant market stalls gradually giving way to a landscape that shifted from urban to pastoral. Towering trees stretched their branches towards the heavens, their leaves kissed by the morning dew, releasing a refreshing fragrance that mingled with the cool breeze. The air was rich with the fragrance of wildflowers, and the birds were chirping merrily as they took flight and circled above our heads.

Excitement tingled in the air. My fingers traced the edges of the card Victor had entrusted to me, the emblem etched upon it now imprinted in my mind. I could not help but think of the endless possibilities of what I would experience in the Shadow Covenant. If I learned more about herbs and healing magic, I could help Mr. Hawthorne and people all over the country. But still, I should be careful since some people think that healing magic is the same as witchcraft.

As the carriage rolled to a graceful stop in a quiet clearing, my gaze was drawn to the plain and dark structure that stood before me. The lodge of the Shadow Covenant, hidden within the heart of the city, bore an unassuming facade that belied the secrets it held. I could not see any windows, but only the main door. In front of the old manor was a tall gate with a guard. I was expecting a dark Gothic temple, but I guess since some officials were being paranoid about magic, the lodge should look as ordinary as possible.

Still, my interest peaked when the gate suddenly opened and a man walked out and stood at attention beside the guard. The man appeared to be roughly my age. He was strangely dressed in a long, dark robe with a hood that concealed his face. He also wore an ornate white mask, and his hands were clasped behind his back. I could not see much about him other than his strong build. I saw him talk to the guard for a moment before turning away and disappearing into the forest beyond.

I stepped out of the carriage, my fingers tightening around the card Victor had entrusted to me. Curiosity compelled me to flip it over, revealing a single word inscribed: "Silentium." I didn't know what it meant, but a wave of confusion washed over me. Perhaps I had made a mistake, and this was not the right place after all. As I approached the entrance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread and unease creep up inside me.

My heart quickened its pace as I stepped onto the cobblestone path. It was here, in this unassuming building, that I would find answers, hone my craft, and start my magical journey.

With each step, the gate loomed larger. As I neared the threshold, a tingling sensation coursed through me, as though I stood at the precipice of a portal to another world.

"Halt!" the guard's voice echoed, its firmness cutting through the air. "State your purpose and provide the password."

I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat, gathering my courage as I offered the card to the guard. "I seek entry to the lodge upon the invitation of Victor Darkstone. The password is 'Silentium.'"

The guard studied the card, then looked up. His eyes glinted menacingly, and he seemed almost reluctant to grant access to a stranger. I waited patiently as I felt the tension rise in the air. The guard's gaze shifted to the card, his expression inscrutable as he examined it. A tense moment passed, the weight of anticipation hanging heavy in the air. Then his gaze returned to mine, and he gave a single nod. "Enter."

It was like stepping into a different world. The outside of the lodge looked plain and serious, but as I walked forward, I discovered a hidden beauty. The surroundings were carefully tended, with nature's peacefulness contrasting against the backdrop of the mysterious, dark manor.

The building exuded a solemn presence, its architecture steeped in age and stories untold. With only a few windows scattering dim light, much of the interior remained veiled in intriguing shadows, adding to the mystique of the place. The lodge was a place of secrets and knowledge, hidden from the prying eyes of the world.

As I walked, I suddenly felt a heavy presence.

"Masha," a familiar voice said, "you have come."

I turned to see a man in a formal black suit approaching, his steps steady and his eyes calm. His expression reflected a mixture of emotions that were difficult to discern—a strange combination of excitement and apprehension.

"Victor," I said, a slight note of surprise edging into my voice, "You caught me off guard! How did you manage to arrive so quickly? I didn't even see you coming."

With a knowing glint in his eyes, he replied, "Ah, my friend, I just walked quietly so you didn't notice me. I noticed you were lost in your thoughts, and it can be risky to wander the lodge's grounds like that. I hope you don't mind."

He placed one hand on my shoulder as he smiled darkly. "You will find, Masha, that all things are possible when one believes. Now," he stepped back, removing his hand from my shoulder, "let us go. I've told everyone to expect you, but we shouldn't keep them waiting."

"Okay," I agreed quietly, following him.

I wasn't sure what to expect. As we stepped into the lodge, I was amazed by the grandeur inside. The foyer was like something out of a fairy tale, with fancy tapestries, fancy chandeliers, and fancy furniture. It felt like I had traveled back in time. But even though everything looked beautiful, there was something eerie about the place. It was so quiet, it felt like ghosts were whispering in the silence. The mix of beauty and darkness made me feel both excited and a little scared.

As Victor led me further into the manor, the echo of our footsteps seemed to reverberate through the space. The warm light from the chandeliers illuminated the old-fashioned furniture, revealing its intricate details. The walls were adorned with portraits, their eyes seeming to follow me as I walked. Inquisitively, I turned to Victor.

"Who are these people?" I inquired, my voice almost too quiet to break the stillness.

Victor's gaze followed mine to the gallery of paintings that lined the walls. His expression grew thoughtful, his eyes holding a hint of reverence. "They are the former leaders and prominent members of the lodge. Each portrait represents a legacy of knowledge and power that has been passed down through generations."

I studied the faces that seemed to look back at me. They looked somewhat similar as if they were brothers. Regal, formal, and aristocratic, they appeared to be in their forties to fifties, and I saw a few of them look like they were in their early thirties. They must be talented magicians. "They look so alike; are they related?"

"In a way," Victor replied cryptically, his expression revealing little. His hand twitched for a moment as he spoke.

I gave him a dark, piercing stare. "What do you mean, 'in a way'? There's more to this, isn't there?"

Victor's gaze met mine, his eyes holding a knowing glint as he finally spoke. "Indeed, many of them are. The lodge has a rich history of familial connections, a tradition that has helped preserve our teachings and secrets."

I pondered for a moment as we walked silently.

"Why isn't the government onto you, then?" I asked, my curiosity drove me to seek answers to the questions that tugged at my mind.

Victor's lips curled into a playful smile. "We operate discreetly, Masha. The lodge has remained hidden from prying eyes for centuries. Our magic is practiced with positive intent, and we uphold the sanctity of our craft. The government's apprehension toward magic is understandable—it's a reaction to the dark history of ancient witches and magicians who misused their powers."

I nodded, feeling every nerve in my body tremble in excitement mixed with fear.

"Few people are drawn to the path of magic," Victor continued his voice a mixture of reflection and insight. "And fewer still possess the spiritual maturity necessary to wield it effectively. It's a calling that requires dedication and a deep connection to the mystical."

I pondered the significance of the lodge's existence, its members, and the legacy they carried. The portraits seemed to gaze upon us, the weight of history captured in their eyes, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I stood on the threshold of a reality that transcended the ordinary.

As we ascended the staircase, I found myself lost in my thoughts, the quiet hum of curiosity tugging at the edges of my mind. Our footsteps echoed through the corridor, leading us toward a set of intricately carved double doors that beckoned like a portal to another realm.

We continued down the corridor until we reached a door that seemed to exude an aura of authority. Victor gently tapped on the door.

A voice from within welcomed us, and we stepped into the study room. My eyes immediately landed on the figure waiting for us—a striking young man. He wore a perfectly tailored suit that oozed sophistication and confidence. His blond hair fell gracefully on his shoulders, and his electric blue eyes held a hint of mystery.

With a warm smile, he extended his hand towards me. "Miss Masha Montclair, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Magnus Vandenberg, the 33rd Master of the Shadow Covenant."

His voice had a smooth, lyrical quality to it. And when he spoke to me with his warm, welcoming smile, I felt as though I were melting into a puddle on the floor. My heart skipped a beat when I looked at him, and I could not explain why.

Magnus turned to face Victor. "I assume the preparations have been made."

"Yes, Master," Victor replied.

"Excellent," Magnus said. "Let's begin, then."