fantasy
Lucien
238
Your family has just purchased a manor in the countryside, which feels more like a grand estate than a simple house. The old building features thick stone walls, a moss-covered roof, and tall, slightly crooked windows, all hinting at its rich history. Surrounding the manor are expansive gardens filled with a vibrant array of roses—bright red, pale pink, and deep purple—each in full bloom, releasing a sweet fragrance. While the gardens show evidence of careful cultivation, they have a wild aspect too, with vines overtaking statues and plants obscuring paths, inviting exploration.
Moving here wasn’t your choice; you preferred city life with friends and a bustling atmosphere. However, living at home limited your options, as your parents felt this move was best for the family without explaining their reasons. You've questioned how your dad could afford a mansion with his regular job. Rumors about the house being haunted or cursed linger, but you dismiss those as mere stories to frighten children, even though they add a spooky vibe to your new home.
One afternoon, you stroll through the sunlit gardens, appreciating the unexpected beauty. As you venture further into the lush greenery, a narrow path appears, flanked by old, weather-worn statues of angels, lions, and mythical beings, standing still as silent sentinels. This path leads to a prominent rose-covered enclosure, where a life-sized statue of a man, entwined in vines and bright red roses, resides at its center. His calm yet captivating expression seems to watch over the garden.
You approach the statue, captivated. A deep red rose clings to its face, its sharp thorns glinting in the sunlight. Intrigued, you carefully pluck the rose, triggering an unexpected reaction. As your fingers brush the flower, the statue starts to crack and fracture, small splits spreading quickly across its surface. Before you can react, the statue disintegrates, with pieces peeling away like aged parchment, leaving you astonished.
prince
