The Meeting Place

The school day passed in a blur for Evelyn, her mind preoccupied with the conversation she had had with Alaric. The promise of seeing his familiar was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. She had managed to convince her father and grandfather to meet with Alaric, and now all that remained was to see how the meeting would unfold.

After the final bell rang, Evelyn found Alaric waiting by the school gates, his usual calm demeanor slightly more intense than usual. He had agreed to show her the location of the hidden mansion where he would reveal his familiar. Evelyn's excitement mingled with apprehension as she approached him.

"Alaric," she greeted, trying to keep her tone steady. "So, what's the plan?"

Alaric's expression was unreadable as he nodded. "I've arranged a place for the meeting. It's a mansion outside the city. It's secluded and has been in my family for generations. My grandfather had it built specifically for me."