Aries wiped the sweat off her face as she ascended the long, steep steps up the cliff. "For Thana's sake, why would anyone build their house so far up?!" she exclaimed, her frustration evident in her voice. Her legs ached from the strenuous climb, and she could feel the strain in every step she took. Glancing below, she noticed Kalden, his brow glistening with sweat, keeping pace with her.

Gritting her teeth, Aries held tightly onto the wooden rail, mustering the last of her strength to make it to the top. The relentless ascent seemed never-ending, and she was on the verge of exhaustion. "Just a few more steps," she muttered to herself, her determination pushing her forward.

Finally, she reached the summit, her breaths heavy and her body on the brink of collapse. "This is highly inconvenient," she sighed, grateful to have conquered the arduous climb. As she turned, facing the setting sun, Aries couldn't help but gasp at the mesmerizing sight before her. "Oh my goodness, it's beautiful," she breathed out in awe. Kalden stood beside her, and she could feel his presence, his hand tantalizingly close to hers. A wave of emotions washed over her, but she resisted the urge to reach out and intertwine their fingers.

Her attention was quickly drawn back to the breathtaking view unfolding before her eyes. The sun, still a fair distance from the horizon, painted the sky with a warm golden hue, casting a tranquil glow over the landscape. The sky itself displayed a harmonious blend of soft pinks, serene blues, and warm oranges, creating a captivating canvas that stretched across the heavens.

Beneath the colorful sky lay the sparkling expanse of the Etherea Sea, it's clear, blue-green waters revealing glimpses of the vibrant coral reef along the coast. The sand on the shore shimmered like pearls, reflecting the hues of the sky, creating a mesmerizing sight that captivated Aries' senses.

Lost in the beauty of the moment, she took a deep breath, savoring the serenity and grandeur of nature's canvas. Despite the weariness from the climb, the breathtaking scene before her seemed to infuse her with newfound energy and wonder. As Aries approached the grand entrance of the manor, she couldn't help but be in awe of its opulence and extravagance. The structure, crafted from limestone, displayed intricate ocean blue and light gold details, with scavenged corals adorning its base, reminiscent of the nearby sea. The imposing pillars held up a magnificent ceiling, offering shade and shelter to the front porch and door. A dazzling chandelier hung from the top, catching the last rays of the setting sun.

The entrance door itself was a masterpiece, gleaming with goldwork that depicted scenes of mermaids, seafolk, and the oceanic goddess Caelithys, representing the manor's proximity to the sea and its history. The door knockers, fashioned from gold rings suspended by humongous conch shells, added an elegant touch to the already extravagant entrance.

Although she found the manor beautiful, Aries couldn't deny that it felt a bit too lavish for her taste. She picked up her bags, her face still slightly flushed from Kalden complement earlier. Deciding to forgo the grand knockers, she turned her sword around and used its hilt to pound on the door, creating a solid and assertive knock.

She didn't want to waste time dealing with ornate niceties when they had important matters to address. 

The door opened, revealing the opulence of the interior. A well-dressed servant stood before them. "The mistress requests an audience with Aries and her companion after dinner. A maid will guide you to your rooms, and dinner will be served in an hour," the servant stated.

As the butler's eyes scrutinized Aries and Kalden, he couldn't help but sneer. "And both of you should... change. I'll have a maid attend to your laundry and bring you appropriate attire," he added with a hint of condescension.

Aries and Kalden exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the unpleasant encounter. 

Aries stepped into the estate, and an overwhelming sense of unease washed over her. She felt incredibly out of place, her simple attire seeming like a dishonor in a house of such opulence. Glancing over at Kalden, she noticed that he, too, appeared uncomfortable with the lavish surroundings. They followed a maid as she led them up the grand marble steps and into the hallways of the estate. Aries couldn't help but be in awe of the intricate decorations and mind-boggling designs that surrounded her. The wealth and luxury were far beyond anything she had ever experienced. 

Aries and Kalden stood in front of the two identical doors, contemplating their next move. The maid's words echoed in their minds, and they exchanged uncertain glances. Aries couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, her discomfort with the opulent surroundings making her hesitate.

Kalden, always perceptive, sensed her hesitation and cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Well, it seems we have a decision to make," he said, a small smile playing on his lips.

Aries nodded, trying to suppress her anxiety. "Right. I guess it doesn't really matter which one we choose," she replied, her voice uncertain. With a sigh, Aries decided on the room in front of her. "I suppose I will take this one," she muttered to herself. Turning towards Kalden, he gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll see you at dinner, I guess," he said casually. She shrugged in response, entering the room and closing the door behind her.

Inside, she took a moment to survey her surroundings. It was evident that the room was far more lavish than most of the places she had stayed during her travels. The furniture was ornate, the bed adorned with luxurious fabrics, and the room exuded an air of opulence.

Setting down her bag, she couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable. The grandeur of the manor and the elegance of the room seemed alien to her. She was more accustomed to the rugged simplicity of the road.

Feeling the need to clear her head, she stepped out of her room and headed towards one of the bathrooms. Upon entering, she was greeted by a sight of luxury once again. The marble fixtures and intricate detailing made her feel like she was in a palace rather than a simple inn.

Shaking her head to dispel her unease, she reminded herself that she was here on a mission, and appearances were irrelevant. She couldn't let herself get distracted by the extravagance around her. 

After a quick shower, Aries stepped out of the bathtub and wrapped a plush towel around herself, relishing the luxurious softness against her skin. She hurriedly made her way across the hall to her room, not wanting to risk being caught in a compromising situation.

Inside her room, she closed and locked the door behind her, feeling a sense of privacy and security. Her eyes fell upon the fresh clothes laid out on the bed, and she couldn't help but grimace. It was a large gown, the kind typically worn by women of her age in this extravagant setting, complete with a corset. Aries endured the uncomfortable process of putting on the gown and corset with the help of the maid, her face betraying her displeasure at the lack of privacy and the tightness of the corset. She stood before the mirror, feeling suffocated and uneasy as the maid insisted on making the corset even tighter.

"Tighter, my lady," the maid instructed, her voice unwavering. Aries sucked in a breath and grimaced as the ribbons on the corset were pulled even tighter, constricting her waist to an unnatural size. She felt her breathing become shallow and strained, and her discomfort grew unbearable.

Finally, the maid announced that they were finished, and Aries mustered the strength to look at her reflection in the mirror. The sight of her waist squeezed unnaturally small made her feel nauseous. Aries felt like a stranger in her own body as the maid helped her slip into the layers of fabric. The dress was both suffocating and scandalous, clinging to her like a second skin. The corset forced her into a perfect hourglass figure, making her feel like a doll on display. The low neckline and exposed back left her feeling vulnerable and exposed, despite the fact that she knew it was a common style among the aristocrats.

She could feel the layers of fabric weighing her down, making her sweat profusely under the extravagant gown. It was a far cry from her usual attire, which was practical and allowed her to move freely.

As the maid worked on her hair, braiding and twisting it into an elaborate updo, Aries couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with the transformation. She was used to her hair being down and straight, a symbol of her independence and non-conformity. Aries nearly fainted. 

Aries couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions as she sat at the grand table with Kalden by her side. Her heart raced, and she kept her gaze firmly fixed on her plate, unable to meet Kalden eyes. The feelings swirling inside her were too overwhelming, and she feared she might reveal too much if she allowed herself to look at him.

Across from them, Amyr and her masked master sat, the air tinged with an air of mystery and intrigue. Aries couldn't resist making a snide remark about the masked figure, unable to hold back her sharp tongue even in such a formal setting.

"Why's he wearing a mask? Too pretty for everyone to see?" she said, her words dripping with sarcasm. Amyr looked horrified at her disrespectful comment, but Aries couldn't bring herself to care. She was frustrated and out of her element, and her usual defenses were on full display.

Kalden elbowed her, a silent warning to rein in her sharpness, and she begrudgingly acknowledged the nudge with a scowl. "Ouch," she muttered, shooting him a sideways glance. He smiled in response, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest. She quickly looked away, not wanting to be distracted by her feelings for him.

As Amyr offered them wine, Aries and Kalden declined, choosing water instead. She didn't want anything clouding her mind or dulling her senses, not when they were surrounded by potential dangers and hidden motives. Aries looked at Amyr, who was sawing at a slab of meat with a knife. The blood and juices ran out of the beef, covering the porcelain plate in blood and grease. Aries cleared her throat. AMyr looked up at her, and her mysterious master seemed to turn his head towards Aries. "What?" Amyr inquired. Aries sniffed. "I would like to know exactly why you wanted to speak with us, and why we should stay as long as you want us to. As you know, I have a job to do." Aries wagged her spoon, knowing it was against common etiquette. In the corner of her eye, Aries noticed Kalden face contort into a mixture of a smile and surprisement. That confirmed that she was being disrespectful. Who cares? Amyr was a snob and a joke to everyone anyway. Amyr raised an eyebrow, confused. Aries sighed exasperatedly, folding her arms angrily. "I mean," She said, " what do you need to tell us about, and why cant we get it over with, because, man, I am about to faint over here." Amyr huffed. Kalden remained silent, probably to stay on Amyr's good side and gather information quietly. Aries eyed Amyr's master. Why was he hiding his face? He gave off an odd aura, similar to the one Kalden often seemed to radiate, except Kalden seems more pure...more...good? This master seemed pure evil. It made Aries uneasy, and her senses were now sharpened.  

Amyr rolled her eyes. "I wanted to speak about your progress."

Aries put down her wine cup—though, it was filled with water, a lime put on the rim of the glass. The movement was forceful, hitting the table with a clink, though she tried to contain her strength. Aries' eyes nearly bulged out of her head. "For Thana's sake, why would you make us come all the way here?! I'm stuck in the suffocating dress, I look like an idiot, and this is probably a trap anyway!" Aries stood abruptly, slamming her hands on the table, causing some of the plates of dessert and main course to wobble, or move slightly. Kalden jumped slightly from the outburst. Amyr and her master remained still, their faces stoic, yet Aries noticed the small amount of anger in Amyr's eyes. 

"Also," Amyr said calmly "There are more things I would want to speak about." Aries remained standing, and scowled. "Well then, I am done with my food, so I will go change out of this clown suit, and then we may speak." Aries stood, and strutted out of the great room with all of the dignity she still possessed in her ridiculous clothing. Kalden quickly stood, and went after her. Her fists were clenched at her sides, and she walked stiffly. "I'm going to murder that woman." Aries said. Kalden flashed a concerned look—probably because he knew Aries would do what she said she would. 

They walked down the dark hallways, and Aries began tearing off some of the layered fabric, wanting less weight. "I don't think you look like an idiot." Kalden said, breaking the silence. She looked at him, surprised. Her eyes widened. "What?" She said. Kalden shrugged. "You said you looked like an idiot. I suppose its simply because most women are what they wear..." He gestured to the gown. "But it doesn't make you look like an idiot. You definitely look out of place. If someone saw you like this for the first time, I think they'd assume you were meant to be elsewhere, somewhere better." He said. Aries' face flushed, thankful for the darkness. 

They stopped at the doors, and retreated into their rooms. When she entered her own room, she was glad to see that her clothes were freshly cleaned...somehow they were done that quick. Tearing off the huge dress, and leaving a pile of gossamer fabric on the floor, she quickly dressed into her own clothes, glad to be in something more comfortable. Her brain circled back to Viper. She hadn't really thought about Viper in a while, but had a growing respect for her. Not many women were like Aries, ruthless, strong, independent, a fighter. Someone who doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. The only reason she feared Viper was the name Darkwood. It was familiar—too familiar. She had a bad feeling, and a voice echoed in her mind, "Bad..." 

Shaking her head, Aries walked out of the room, her sword attached to her side. She walked into the study—the room in which they had agreed to speak in.