Echoes of the Golden Manor Part 3

Chapter 4

Orion gazed out the window, watching the serene white forest stretch far and wide around the manor. The once-dark, menacing woods had been transformed into a calm, pristine landscape, a stark contrast to the horrors of the past. The sight brought him a deep sense of relief, yet it also carried a reminder of the trials he had faced.

He turned to his grandchildren, who were playing nearby, their innocent laughter filling the room with warmth. His heart tightened as he prepared to share a crucial piece of advice. “I need you to make me a promise,” he said, his voice firm yet gentle.

The children looked up at him, sensing the seriousness in his tone. “What is it, Grandpa?” one of them asked, their curiosity piqued.

Orion took a deep breath, his eyes searching their faces. “If you ever see a tree that isn’t white,” he began, his voice steady but tinged with urgency, “tell me or your parents immediately. Don’t touch it. Promise me.”

The children nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of his request. Orion’s gaze softened as he saw their earnest expressions. “Promise?” he asked again, needing their assurance.

“Yes, Grandpa,” they replied in unison, their voices resolute.

Regulus and Sirius, standing nearby, exchanged a glance. The memory of the fateful night when the forest had burned with white-hot flames still haunted them. The promise echoed the past’s lessons, a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked even in seemingly peaceful times.

Orion’s face reflected the weight of his experiences as he looked back at his grandchildren. “Good,” he said softly, feeling a mix of relief and lingering unease. “Remember, the white forest is safe. But if anything changes, we need to be cautious.”

As he finished speaking, the room fell into a contemplative silence. The white forest outside was a symbol of hard-won peace, but Orion’s request served as a reminder of the vigilance required to protect it. His grandchildren, now fully aware of the importance of his words, promised to remain vigilant and share any concerns with their parents.

Orion felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing he had passed on crucial knowledge to the next generation. He hoped that his warnings would keep his family safe, preserving the peace he had fought so hard to achieve. As he looked out at the white forest, he found comfort in the promise of vigilance and the unity of his family, ready to face whatever challenges the future might hold.