Chapter 69: Evangeline

The group of students followed Evangeline through the gate, the large entrance doors and into the grand hallway. The castle was even more impressive on the inside—high ceilings, chandeliers that glowed a warm golden hue, and walls lined with antique paintings. The floors were polished marble, and every step echoed slightly in the vast space, it was like some kind of high art center.

Some students whispered to each other as they walked, their eyes darting around in awe. Others kept their excitement in check, probably exhausted from the long journey.

Evangeline led them through the hall, speaking in a smooth, almost melodic voice. “You’ll all be staying in the West Wing, second floor,” she said, glancing over her shoulder. “The East Wing and the main castle are off-limits. You’ll only be allowed in those areas during the tour, and even then, it’s only to look around. No wandering off.”

There were a few murmurs at that, but no one questioned it.

The group reached a wide staircase with carved railings, leading up to the second floor. Evangeline motioned for them to go ahead, and they climbed up, dragging their suitcases behind them.

At the top, a hallway stretched out with several wooden doors on either side. The air smelled faintly of lillies, and everything looked spotless—almost untouched.

“The rooms have been pre-assigned,” Evangeline continued softly as she walked ahead. “Find your name on the doors. Two students per room.”

Xinmei walked along the hallway, scanning the nameplates on each door. She finally found her name paired with someone she didn’t recognize. Her lips pressed into a thin line.

Without hesitation, she turned back to Evangeline, who was watching the students settle in.

“Pleaae, is there a way to change who I room with? I want Blakely instead, she's the one who fainted” Xinmei said, cutting straight to the point with a puppy look.

Evangeline’s expression didn’t change, but there was something almost amused in her eyes. “Is that so?”

“Yes,” Xinmei said. “She’s my friend. I don’t want to room with someone else.”

Evangeline tilted her head slightly, as if considering it. Then, with a small nod, she said, “Alright. You can switch the nameplate with where you find hers”

Hmmm…that was easy.

She dragged the suitcases into the room and came back out. She took off the nameplate and went to find Blakely's own.

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She fixed the new one and locked the door as she went it. The room was spacious and aesthetic—two large canopy beds, a small chandelier, and a window with heavy velvet curtains. The lamps glowed softly as she walked to where the suitcases were.

She set their bags near the wardrobe, then glanced toward Blakely’s empty bed.

She sighed hoping her friend was okay.

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𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐄, 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐑.

𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐎𝐍.

Blakely stirred continuously, her mind was hazy as she drifted toward consciousness.

She faced the ceiling, forcing her heavy eyelids open, blinking against the bright afternoon light in the room.

For a moment, she didn’t recognize where she was. Her gaze shifted—and they settled on Evangeline sitting on the edge of the bed.

The lady's lips curved into a soft smile as she reached out, gently rubbing Blakely’s cheek with the back of her fingers.

Blakely sat up quickly, her body tensing over the contact.

Evangeline only smiled wider.

Blakely’s breath caught in her throat at she softly touch her cheek again. The fingers that brushed her skin were cold—not uncomfortably so, but enough to send a chill down her spine.

Evangeline’s shade of deep, knowing brown eyes studied her with an unreadable expression. And then she murmured amusingly, “Now I see why they’re obsessed with you.”

Blakely jerked back, her shoulders hitting the headboard, creating a small gap between them. Who the fuck is she?

Her voice came out rougher than intended. “Who are you?” she demanded clearing her throat. “And where am I?”

Evangeline only chuckled, standing up and tepping back gracefully as if amused by her reaction.

“You’re in Eden, love,” she said, tilting her head slightly. “And I'm Evangeline, the caretaker of the castle.”

Blakely’s released her tightened on the sheets, looking around as she tried to remember what had happened.

What happened after they drove in? Where's Xinmei anyway?.

She closed her eyes for a second, then opened them again.

“What happened?” she asked, her throat dry.

Evangeline sighed. “You fainted,” she said simply. “On your way in. Likely from stress.”

Blakely stared at her, trying to remember.

The last thing she recalled was sitting in the car, about to record a video. Then—nothing. Just darkness.

She pushed the covers off and climbed down from the bed, her bare feet pressing against the cool marble floor. She stretched her arms slightly, trying to shake off the lingering grogginess before letting her eyes roam around the room.

It was… different. Not what she expected from a place as eerie as Eden. The decor leaned towards classic elegance—muted gold accents, dark wooden furniture, soft cream-colored walls. The heavy curtains were drawn just enough to let in a dim stream of sunlight, casting long shadows along the floor.

She turned, catching sight of Evangeline still standing near the bed, watching her with an almost amused expression.

Blakely ignored it. She crossed her arms and said, “If you’re the caretaker, what about the owner?” She raised a brow. “Or owners, as people keep saying?”

Evangeline’s gaze flickered, and instead of answering right away, the woman walked across the room to a flower painting on the wall. It was a simple image of a cluster of lilies against a dark background. She lifted her hand, running her fingertips along the ornate gold frame, almost absentmindedly.

A moment passed.

Then, without looking away from the painting, she spoke.

“I’d rather you just focus on your tour and make sure you enjoy your stay here.” She paused. “And not ask questions you shouldn’t.”

Blakely’s fingers twitched slightly at her sides.

That wasn’t a no.

And it sure as hell wasn’t an answer either.