They reached the estate, and she let out a small gasp.
At the entrance, above the wide gates, bold glowing letters read: EMBERREST LODGE
The driveway curved ahead, lined with cobblestone that seemed to glow faintly beneath the tires. Little lights were tucked along the path, soft and warm, lighting the way like something out of a fairytale.
They drove toward the main building it was huge, with tall windows and ivy crawling up parts of the walls. On the front of the building, right above the doors, was Mr Grey's emblem, big and impossible to miss. It shimmered faintly in the golden light, like it belonged there.
Jasmine leaned closer to the window, pressing her fingers against the glass without even thinking.
"Wow…" she whispered.
The Main building was a round chamber with soft wooden walls and stone floors. As they stepped in, Jasmine was awed by the floating sapphire flame that hovered above a circular hearth.
They walked into the receptionist's grounds, and Jasmine was the more awed, The human realm was nothing compared to this, the place was incredible. A carved desk shaped like a leaf stood at the center of the hall, and a lady seated behind the desk, decently dressed. She welcomed them with a bright smile as they proceeded towards her.
"Good day sir Your Emblem and name please." She brought out the registry book.
"Lord Grey Morrigan," he said, and the Receptionist nodded, she also took note of Mrs Morrigan's name along with Jasmine and Micah's.
She handed them a card to a room, Jasmine expecting more room cards stood still until she was reckoned over by Micah, they took a lift to the last floor.
"Were you expecting a different room?" Micah asked. She nodded confused by the accommodation setting.
"Well, it's a funished apartment with three bedrooms, so don't worry about sharing a room with me," Micah said mockingly.
The arrived at the top floor which seemed to be a different setting entirely, Jasmine stepped out of the elevator, she nodded in approval she didn't think the amazement was ending any soon.
They finally got to their apartment, and Mr Grey swiped the card on the floor, which made a beeping sound, indicating the door had been opened. They stepped in.
Mr Grey moved into the master bedroom along with Mrs Grey, leaving Micah and Jasmine to decide on which room they were choosing.
Micah didn't bother to annoy her, he simply took the room to the left, seems he was too exhausted. Anybody would be, they had quite the encounter today and all she needed was a bed to lay her head, she stepped into her room.
She was surprised by her bed levitating without any support to it. The supposed window was artificial where a screen displayed a snowing background. She ignored any more that would give her adrenaline of surprises, she had three more hours to the ball, so possibly one or two hours of sleep.
Even without starting the celebration, her body was already screaming in exhaustion. She dropped her travel box aside and collapsed on the bed. 'The bed smelled heavenly pulling her in the more, it was comfortable and she snuggled in the more.
'Do you want the lights turned off?' she heard startled by the voice but was quick to regain her composure.
"Yes please" came her muffled reply. Whoever created all this technology deserves applause. The supernatural realm was more advanced than she thought. 'I was expecting more of a snow-white scenario who would have told.....' she thought to herself as the light turned off and sleep finally enveloped her.
The rasp of knocking on her door jolted her awake from her slumber, she stretched her hands to open the door, it bucked open and an angry Mrs Morrigan stepped in all dressed in her royal blue attire and it dawn her that she had overslept.
"Jasmine!!" Her sharp voice cut through the air almost causing all the hair on her skin to stand. "It almost 8: 30 and the Recognition Ball has long started."
Jasmine sat up, she looked at the screen of her phone, which had turned on upon contact. 8:27 it read. 'oh good lord, I have indeed overslept. She had slept through all three hours now advancing into four.
"Am sorry aunt I didn't set my alarm I will be ready real quick" she said scrambling off the bed while she pulled off her clothes in the process.
"Your uncle and Micah have already left to attend the ball, it left to just us two ladies with one of us not ready yet.
Jasmine scurried off to the bathroom getting ready as quickly as she could.
As Jasmine stepped out of the van beside Her aunt, the two women paused just outside the venue. They took a moment to look around, the quiet hum of other cars and another van pulling up behind them.
Jasmine wore a royal blue gown that flowed down to the floor, the fabric catching the light and sparkling softly. The dress had a straight neckline that showed off her collarbones, while the back dipped into a daring V-shape that gave a little hint of something bold. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun, smooth and tight, which matched perfectly with the sleek fit of the dress and showed off her neck.
Her aunt was dressed to match, wearing a stone-blue dress that hugged her curves just the same. The long sleeves made her look even more elegant, and the skirt ended just below her knees. The fabric wrapped around her hips in a way that made her look confident and graceful. People nearby couldn't help but glance their way.
"Come, let's go in. But before that here."
Mrs Morrigan pinned Dynara's emblem onto Jasmine's dress. The symbol shimmered for a second before it melted softly into the fabric like it had always belonged there.
"Now, if you meet a direct ruler from the other realms, make sure you bow. Always pay your respect," she said firmly.
Jasmine nodded quickly, already buzzing with excitement. "Let's go in already," she whispered, barely able to hold still.
They headed inside.
Jasmine hadn't expected to make some grand entrance unlike those who came through the direct portal just for show. She honestly thought they'd just slip in quietly and blend with the crowd.
But no.
The hall inside looked like something from a dream.
Colors danced across every wall, shifting softly like painted lights. The Emblems of the Five Realms hung high at the sides, glowing faintly, each one proud and distinct. A massive marble platform floated above the center of the room, spinning slowly around the Heartstone of the Main Realm it pulsed gently, like it was breathing.
All around the platform stood tall obelisks, their surfaces carved with strange glowing glyphs that hummed just loud enough to feel in your chest. Jasmine had the sudden urge to go over and touch one just for a second, just to feel it.
But she didn't dare.
Too many eyes. Too many people standing still, watching everything. Judging, maybe. She kept her head down and quietly moved off to the side where she spotted her uncle and Micah, already deep in chat with a group of other guests.
They looked like they were from the Will Reaper realm the Main one, the Imperial heart of it all. They wore black clothes that were sharp and bold, almost too bold. It reminded Jasmine of something dark and dramatic, like devils in formal wear. Honestly, it suited them too well. Her aunt was still at the entrance greeting other guests on her way.
"Lena? Is that you…?"One of the older lady uncle Grey was chatting with squeak excited seeing Mrs Morrigan, she hadn't bothered with the title she looks to be in her late 50s but Jasmine knew more to assume. The lady approaches softly, a wide smile on her face. Mrs Morrigan turned slowly, the corner of her lips curling into a rare smile.
"Mrs Will I wondered if our paths would cross again. Time has touched you kindly." Mrs Will smiled, eyes misty and gentle as she hugged Mrs Morrigan briefly.
She was a regal silver-haired woman from the Will Reaper Realm, wearing long black robes threaded with soul silver. Her eyes are deep pools of quiet knowing. Jasmine smiled as soon as she looked over at her.
I met Micah already I didn't know you also have a female daughter, she looks lovely " the woman complimented and Jasmine smiled.
"You look beautiful Ma'am I didn't know older people can be this beautiful" Jasmine said not realizing she had said that out. Mrs Will burst out in laughter.
"Oh, I like you already," Mrs Will said. Mr Grey turned to the woman and introduced her.
"This is Jasmine. She's my niece." Mrs Will nodded, taking Jasmine's hand into hers.
"Is this your first time visiting the main realm?"
"Um..... Yes I guess" Jasmine said with a nervous chuckle not in the mood to share how she recollect nothing of her past. It has been close to six years now, and she has already adapted to her new life. Thankful to her aunt, uncle and Micah who didn't let her feel alone and made her part of the family.
"Mrs Will!" They all raised their head to the voice of a man who seemed to seek Mrs Will's attention on something.
"Excuse me I have to attend to that, I hope you all enjoy your evening" she said before striding away.
"Don't tell me you slept off and forgot you are attending the Recognition Ball, how sweet of you" Micah said with a teasing grin.
"Hmm a good brother you are, why didn't you wake me up before aunt did?"
"You seem to be having a good sleep. I didn't want to disturb that," he seemed a little too honest. "And honestly anyone would be exhausted from all that travel, we should have scheduled it a day before".
"All my fatigue has long vanished ever since entering this hall, I mean look at all..... "She stopped to look behind Micah. "That " she completed in a daze. Micah seeing her bewildered expression simply turned to the source of it.