The Veil of Darkness
Chapter 350: A Frosty New Year Morning

Chapter 350: A Frosty New Year Morning

The new day arrived as the first morning of the new year, but looking outside the window, Annalise saw nothing but dark clouds and snow-covered grounds. Even the forest looked dead.

Determined not to let the gloomy weather dampen her mood, she turned away from the window and shifted her gaze toward the bed, where Valerius was still fast asleep. His beautiful silver hair was spread across the pillow while he slept soundly. He appeared so relaxed that it made a smile bloomed on Annalise’s lips.

She had woken up quite early and was unable to return to sleep, so she decided to get dressed and help Aunt Claire and others in the kitchen with the preparation of the new year’s first meal.

Before she started getting ready for the day, she cast a simple spell to keep any sounds from waking up Valerius. Her fingertips danced with magic as she whispered the incantation, ensuring he would enjoy a peaceful slumber a little while longer.

Due to her passionate activities with Valerius the previous night, there were several marks all over her body. It took her a while to cover them with spells, a skill she had honed over the past several months since she needed to use it every time she spent her nights with her husbands.

As she was brushing her hair, she heard knocks on the door, and then Damien pushed it open, peeking inside.

"Good morning, Princess. If you don’t mind, can we come in?" He asked as his gaze landed on her as if he knew exactly where she was.

Annalise, still holding the brush, hurriedly nodded her head, allowing her other two husbands to enter while Valerius remained peacefully asleep on the bed.

Kenric, with his mischievous grin, noticed Valerius’ sleeping form and couldn’t resist teasing her. "Little Bird, it seems you’ve exhausted my brother with your charms. He’s sleeping like a baby."

Annalise blushed at the remark, her cheeks tinged with a faint shade of pink. "Well, it is the first day of the new year," she replied with a sly grin. "I wanted to start it with a little extra warmth."

"How sad that we weren’t invited... such a loss for you." He commented while making a fake expression which made Annalise giggle.

He moved to stand behind her while she sat in front of the dressing table. His gaze lingered on her shoulders, which were on full display due to the gown’s design that left most of her shoulders bare.

Damien, ever the practical one, couldn’t help but comment, "Princess, you should be wearing more clothes to keep yourself warm in this cold weather."

Annalise raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, but the castle has already made the inside warm enough for me not to wear any extra layers."

With no further arguments to offer, Damien and Kenric surrendered to Annalise’s logic and instead decided to help her get dressed for the day.

"Let me do it." Kenric said as he reached out for the brush she was holding and Annalise handed it over to him, looking forward to his service.

He slowly and carefully combed her long hair, his fingers sliding through with no effort, proving just how silky and smooth her hair was. "I really love your hair... they are just too beautiful that they almost seems unreal."

The unique color of her hair had always stood out and even though she had always been praised for them, it made her feel extra warm and happy even her husbands did so.

Her gaze met with Damien’s through the mirror and the Shadow Prince smiled, showing his agreement with his brother’s words and it made Annalise smile warmly in response.

Since it was the first day of the new year, they agreed to spend the first half of the day in peace inside the castle, surrounded by friends and servants, before resuming their usual training sessions after lunch.

As Annalise was almost done getting ready, Damien woke his brother who too hurriedly got dressed before all of them headed downstairs.

The four of them shared a warm and affectionate moment as they prepared to celebrate the start of a new year together, embracing the love and magic that bound them as one.

* * * * *

In the early morning, the Cursed Castle bustled with activity as Annalise, Pristine, Edith, and Aunt Claire gathered in the kitchen to prepare a hearty New Year’s meal. The aroma of food filled the air, and laughter echoed through the corridors as they worked.

Annalise, wearing a bright blue apron that matched the color of her vibrant dress, glanced at Pristine and Edith with a smile. "It’s wonderful to have you both here to celebrate with us. The more people we have here, the warmer this place gets."

Pristine nodded, her hands covered in flour. "We wouldn’t miss it for the world, Annalise. I wouldn’t lie, I have started to actually love my time here as a garden fairy. After centuries of living alone in a rundown place with no hope, I’m finally living a life filled with good friends and a really grand castle with hope for the best."

Pristine’s genuine words made not only Annalise but also Edith and Aunt Claire smile as they all somehow related with the fairy’s words.

In another part of the castle, Sera, Vladiya, and the rest of the female staff of the castle, along with Garron, diligently cleaned every single room and corner of the castle, while Leela used her magic to assist them. The csstle sparkled as they worked together to quickly finish their work.

Meanwhile, Valerius, Sir Niles, Ezra, Elijah, and Marley adorned the castle with decorations. Lamps, candles, and moon stones adorned the walls and ceilings while the vines glowed brightly in a silvery light while beautiful flowers bloomed all over the castle, inside out.

Elder Elaron, Silas, Cyrus, and Mr. Warren lent a hand wherever needed, their teamwork evident in every task they undertook.

As the mornjng progressed, the castle transformed into a place of celebration. Annalise, now free from the kitchen, approached a large dining table set for the occasion and helped Aunt Claire and Edith to place the prepared food across the table.

If not for the uncertainity and dangers looming over their world, the New Year’s celebrations would have been on another level throughout the realms, empires, and kingdoms, but unfortunately, they didn’t have such good luck this year.

So, instead of a grand celebration, the residents of the Cursed Castle decided to have a simple celebration before continuing with their usual trainings as the new year was not only the beginning of a new journey but it was also the arrival of the war that loomed at the horizon and threatened the peace of their world.

Esmeray and Ascher also arrived shorty at Annalise special request and just like that, all the special people in Annalise’s life were gathered together in the castle to celebrate the New Year with her except for her parents and mother-in-law.

Though she couldn’t meet her parents for the time being, she and the Dark Lords had planned to visit the Midnight Queen later in the evening after they would return from their usual training from the Secret Realm.

As noon arrived, everyone gathered around the dining table, filling their plates with the delicious meal prepared with love and care. The castle was alive with chatter and laughter as they enjoyed the feast.

Amid the merriment, Annalise stood up, encouraged by her family and friends to give a speech as the Lady host of the castle.

"Thank you all for joining us," she said, raising her glass filled with wine that Elder Elaron and Mr. Warren had brewed. "In the face of uncertainty and danger, we find strength in unity. Let this simple celebration remind us of the bonds we share and the hope we carry into the new year. No matter what tomorrow holds for us, let’s face it together with all we have."

There were cheers and applause as she concluded her speech. Her words resonated with the gathered guests, and they clinked glasses, their eyes filled with determination.

It was a simple celebration, but it held a profound significance. It was a symbol of their unity, their determination, and their readiness to confront the impending war that threatened their world’s peace.

And so, in the warm glow of friendship and camaraderie, the residents of the Cursed Castle welcomed the new year, knowing that they were stronger together, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.