Old magnificent castle

Xavier's anticipation was palpable as he arrived at the designated location, an elegant, old-looking castle that stood in stark in a vast land. However, as he stepped inside, his excitement quickly turned to disappointment. The lady who was introduced to him had short gold hair and black eyes that held a certain allure, but she was not his mate.

His heart sank as he realized that the search for his beloved would continue. The castle's opulence and grandeur seemed to mock his hopes, and he struggled to hide his disappointment. Despite his inner turmoil, he maintained his composure, his features betraying only a flicker of sadness.

In the opulent drawing room, the lady's parents, who exuded an air of wealth and refinement, engaged in a polite conversation with him. Their voices were filled with cordiality, but Xavier couldn't shake the feeling that he was a mere pawn in their games of status and influence.

As the conversation continued, a delicate figure peeked from behind the heavy dra