Echoes of the Golden Manor Part 3

Chapter 5

Orion’s heart skipped a beat as his grandson’s innocent question cut through the room's calm. “Why is there a tree that looks like snakes curdling around it?” the child asked, pointing towards the center of the white forest, where the door was.

Orion’s face turned pale, a mix of shock and fear crossing his features. The very sight of that tree—the serpentine tendrils twisting around it—triggered an intense, visceral reaction within him. He had hoped the forest was cleansed completely, but the appearance of this ominous tree suggested otherwise.

Sirius, noticing the sudden change in Orion’s demeanor, swiftly stepped closer to his son. He crouched down to the child’s level, his expression softening with concern. “What’s wrong, sweet boy?” he asked gently, trying to keep his voice calm despite the growing anxiety within him.

The child’s small finger continued to point towards the center of the forest, where the tree stood menacingly. “There, Daddy,” he said, his voice trembling slightly.

Regulus, who had been observing the scene, gasped in surprise. The presence of the tree seemed to shock him deeply, reflecting his own fear and disbelief.

Orion, still visibly shaken, took a moment to collect himself. His hands trembled slightly as he tried to compose his thoughts. “That tree,” he finally said, his voice low and strained, “it shouldn’t be there.”

Sirius placed a reassuring hand on Orion’s shoulder. “What does it mean, Dad?” he asked, his worry evident.

Orion shook his head, struggling to find the right words. “I thought we had eradicated everything, but... but if that tree is there, it might mean the darkness is trying to return.”

The room fell into a tense silence as everyone absorbed the gravity of the situation. The tree, with its snake-like branches, was a symbol of the dark forces that Orion had thought vanquished. Its presence was a chilling reminder that their peace might be more fragile than they had hoped.

Regulus glanced at the tree, his eyes narrowing with determination. “We need to investigate,” he said firmly. “Find out why it’s there and what it means.”

Orion nodded, still visibly distressed. “Yes, we need to act quickly. If the darkness is trying to come back, we must be prepared.”

Sirius stood up, his expression resolute. “We’ll figure this out. Together.”

As they prepared to face whatever threat the tree might signify, the family rallied around Orion, united by their shared resolve to protect their home and loved ones. The sudden appearance of the ominous tree was a stark reminder that the shadows of the past were never truly gone, and vigilance would be their constant companion in maintaining their hard-won peace.