Chapter 161: Home of the Stone Shield (2)

The name was fitting. The enormous shield drew attention even before the name itself.

"The place looks expensive..." he murmured, his eyes roaming over the facade.

Clavor smiled with satisfaction, his pride evident.

"Because it is. One of the best in the city."

The four of them stepped down from the carriage. As soon as Clavor’s feet touched the ground, a robust man quickly came out through the main entrance.

He had a neatly trimmed brown beard, short hair, and a huge smile spread across his face. His skin was weathered by the sun, and his hands bore the signs of manual labor, but his eyes shone with contagious energy.

"Clavor!" The man opened his arms as though he were about to embrace a long-lost brother.

"You old bastard!"

Clavor burst into laughter, his face lighting up with the joy of the reunion.

"Ronan!"

The two exchanged a firm hug, followed by a handshake so strong it almost looked like a contest of strength.

"It’s been a long time."

"At least fifteen years."

Ronan looked at Aurora and immediately gave her a respectful bow, his playful attitude shifting into a formal one.

"Lady Aurora. You’re just as beautiful as ever."

Aurora smiled politely, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.

"I’m happy to see you again."

Then his eyes fell on Judite and Lukas. His smile widened.

"So these are your children? They’ve grown so much."

Clavor placed one hand on Lukas’s shoulder, pride evident in his voice.

"This is Lukas. And that’s Judite. Unfortunately, Asmon is serving in the capital."

Ronan nodded slowly, his expression turning serious for a brief moment.

"I heard. Difficult times..." But he soon smiled again, his positive energy returning.

"Come on. I’ve prepared one of the best rooms for you."

They entered the inn. The interior was even more beautiful than Lukas had imagined. The floor was made of perfectly polished stone, gleaming like a mirror beneath the chandeliers.

Crystal chandeliers illuminated the entire hall, their reflections creating dancing patterns across the walls. The fixtures were enormous, each one holding dozens of candles that cast a warm and welcoming glow.

Wide staircases led to the second floor, with dark wooden railings and golden metal details. Soft carpets covered the steps, muffling the sound of footsteps.

The place carried a pleasant scent of wood and aromatic herbs, a combination that relaxed the senses. Small arrangements of fresh flowers decorated every flat surface.

Several wealthy guests chatted comfortably in upholstered armchairs while attendants moved about carrying trays of food and drinks. The murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses created an atmosphere of elegance.

Judite turned her head from side to side, her eyes wide with admiration.

"Wow..."

Aurora chuckled softly, amused by her daughter’s reaction.

A short while later, they reached the room that had been reserved for them. It was enormous. Two double beds with mattresses so soft they looked like clouds. A balcony overlooking the city. A sitting room with sofas and armchairs. A private bathroom with a stone bathtub.

The dark wooden furniture was exquisitely crafted, with bronze finishes that gleamed beneath the light. Even the curtains seemed to be made from imported fabric, with patterns that changed color depending on how the light struck them.

Judite immediately ran to one of the beds, throwing herself onto it with a joyful shout.

"It’s so soft!" The girl’s voice was muffled by the comforter.

Clavor laughed, satisfaction evident on his face.

"I knew you’d like it."

While everyone began organizing their luggage, Lukas slowly walked toward the balcony. His footsteps were quiet and thoughtful.

He rested his arms on the open window, feeling the night breeze against his face. The city stretched out beneath him, a sea of lights shining in the darkness.

A few seconds later, Astra landed silently beside him. Her talons gently gripped the wooden railing, and she tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with intelligence.

He gently stroked the little eagle’s soft feathers, feeling the warmth of her body beneath his fingers. She closed her eyes for a few moments, enjoying the affection, a soft sound of contentment escaping her throat.

Lukas then raised his gaze. From that height, he could see much of the square in front of the inn. Hundreds of people were walking back and forth, even as night approached.

Merchants putting away their stalls. Adventurers returning from missions. Mages in colorful robes. Knights in gleaming armor. A city full of life, full of stories.

His heart quickened slightly, an emotion that had been growing stronger for days.

"It’s almost here..." He stroked Astra once more, his fingers tracing gentle patterns through her feathers.

"Almost the day I’ll finally begin training my true strength."

His violet eyes shone with anticipation, reflecting the city’s lights.

"What kind of ability... will awaken within me?"

Lukas remained silent for a few moments, watching the activity in the square while absentmindedly stroking Astra’s feathers.

The lanterns began to be lit one after another, scattering golden points of light through the streets. The aroma of roasted meat and freshly baked bread drifted up from the nearby taverns, mingling with the fragrance of the flowers decorating the inn’s facade.

His thoughts remained fixed on the Awakening.

Only three days remained.

"LUKAAAS!"

The sudden shout made his entire body jolt.

"Ah!"

He turned so quickly that he almost lost his balance, while Astra reflexively spread her wings, letting out a small surprised chirp before settling back onto the railing.

Judite was standing in the doorway, holding her stomach as she laughed uncontrollably.

"Hahaha! You didn’t even hear me come in!"

Lukas placed a hand over his chest, still catching his breath.

"Judite! You nearly scared me to death!"

The girl simply kept laughing, wiping away a small tear that had appeared in the corner of her eye.

"You were completely distracted!" she said between laughs.

"Mom called you about three times already!"

Aurora appeared right behind her daughter, crossing her arms, though an amused smile was also on her face.

"I really did."

Lukas scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed.

"Sorry... I was thinking."

"We noticed," Clavor replied as he finished putting away the luggage, clearly entertained by the scene.

Aurora walked over to the balcony.

"Come on, let’s head downstairs. Dinner is already being served in the main hall."

She smiled mysteriously.

"And I heard the chef here is one of the best in the City of the Great Rock."

Judite’s eyes sparkled once again.

"They say even the desserts are famous!"

Lukas laughed quietly.

"Then of course I’m going."

He cast one last glance at the illuminated square before gently patting Astra on the head once more.

"I also want to find out what the food at such a luxurious place tastes like."

The little eagle chirped softly, as though agreeing.

A few moments later, the four of them left the room together.

The lively voices of the guests grew louder and louder as they descended the broad polished wooden staircase. The irresistible aroma of the meals filled the entire hall, drawing even a faint smile from Lukas.

The first night at the Home of the Stone Shield was only just beginning. And with it came the final days of waiting before the moment that would completely change his life.