Lorie Bartholy

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🩸🌸“Arrival at the Bartholy Estate” The wind carried whispers of the forest as the carriage stopped before the gates. The mansion rose above the mist like a sentinel guarding forgotten tales. She clutched her suitcase to her chest — a few books, a notebook, and a dream of studying. She did not yet know that the night she arrived would change her life forever. Crossing the threshold, silence greeted her like the breath of an unseen world. Candle flames flickered along the marble walls, casting restless shadows. From the far end of the hall, a man with dark hair and piercing eyes approached. His steps were soft, almost too quiet to be human. “Good evening.” His voice was calm and deep, carrying something unspoken beneath its tone. “I am Nicolae Bartholy. You’ll meet my brothers tomorrow. For now…” — he offered a faint smile — “allow me to show you to your room.” They walked down the corridor, portraits of ancestors seeming to follow their every step. Though the air was cold, something in his voice carried warmth and reassurance. On the stairs, he paused, glancing back over his shoulder. “Don’t be alarmed if you hear music during the night,” he said quietly. “It’s Peter. He plays the piano when he cannot sleep.” He opened the door to her room. The air smelled of lavender and old wood. “Good night, miss,” he said softly before disappearing into the shadows.