The moon was a silver crescent in the velvet night, casting an ethereal glow over the manor's grounds. Ava stepped out into the gardens, the cool night air a balm to her senses. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth filled her lungs, and she felt a sense of peace wash over her.
As she strolled along the winding path, the sound of footsteps echoed behind her. Ava's heart skipped a beat, and she turned to face the stranger. Kael emerged from the shadows, his eyes gleaming like opals in the moonlight. He was tall, with broad shoulders and chiseled features, his dark hair ruffled by the gentle breeze.
Ava's cheeks flushed, and she felt a flutter in her chest as Kael's gaze swept over her. To him, she was a vision of loveliness, her raven hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of night, her skin glowing like alabaster in the moonlight. Her eyes, like sapphires shimmering in the dark, sparkled with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.
"Good evening, Ava," he said, his voice low and smooth, like honeyed wine. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
Ava's voice caught in her throat, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. "Not at all," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kael fell into step beside her, his long strides matching hers. They walked in silence, the only sound the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet. The air was charged with tension, and Ava felt as if she were walking on the edge of a knife.
As they reached the fountain, Kael stopped, his eyes locked on hers. "Ava, I need to tell you something," he said, his voice tinged with urgency. "You're in danger. The sorcerer's minions are searching for you."
Ava's heart pounded in her chest, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Kael's face was grim. "You possess something the sorcerer wants," he said, his eyes burning with intensity. "Something powerful. And I intend to keep you safe, no matter what it takes."
As he spoke, the shadows around them seemed to writhe and twist, like living things. Ava felt a surge of fear, and Kael's arm instinctively wrapped around her, pulling her close.
Suddenly, the night air was filled with the sound of cries and the clash of steel on steel. Kael's sword was in his hand, and he pushed Ava behind him, shielding her from the attack.
"Stay close," he growled, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
Ava's heart was racing, and she felt a strange, tingling sensation in her fingers. The pendant glowed, and a wave of energy burst forth, illuminating the darkness.
The attackers were revealed, their faces twisted with malevolence. Kael's sword flashed, and Ava felt a rush of exhilaration. She was no longer just a governess, a nobody. She was a warrior, ready to fight for her life.