Witch house
At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight barely brushed the sheer curtains of the hotel room, Nika awakened from a deep slumber. Silence filled the room, she was alone, enveloped in the gentle morning coolness. Ryu waited for her in the car, where the engine dozed peacefully, ready to awaken and set off at any moment.
Soon they resumed their journey. Nika remained silent throughout the drive. She recalled her dream, feeling somewhat embarrassed by her candid conversation with Ryu in her sleep. Nika truly doubted whether it was Ryu she had seen or if he was a figment of her imagination. Nonetheless, she hesitated to inquire. They arrived in Krasnodar shortly thereafter.
Upon arrival, they were greeted by a magnificent mansion. Externally, it resembled a classic European palace: a two-story building with white walls adorned with reliefs and frescoes. Majestic columns supported a wide balcony on the second floor, and the roof was adorned with elegant wind vanes. The mansion's windows were tall, with graceful grilles, and flower pots adorned the sills. A marble staircase led to the entrance, with massive oak doors adorned with wrought iron locks.
Exotic plants grew in the garden, and a fountain in the courtyard played with water, shimmering in all the colors of the rainbow.
Inside the mansion, an atmosphere of luxury and comfort prevailed. A large crystal chandelier illuminated the spacious hall, and the floor was tiled with marble with intricate patterns. The walls were adorned with paintings by famous artists and antique tapestries. The furniture was made of expensive wood, and soft Persian carpets lay on the floor.
Alla welcomed the guests warmly and joyfully. She was dressed in an elegant dress and radiated like the sun. Also present in the house were Katerina, Joe, and Andrew. They had already set the table, and the aromas of treats filled the entire house. The table was filled with a variety of dishes: from traditional Russian snacks to exotic delicacies: beef with sour cream, jellied meat garnished with lemon slices and greens, pies with golden crusts, salads with vegetables and nuts, layered cake with delicate cream, fruit platters. Various drinks were also served: from classic Krasnodar tea to exquisite wines from local winemakers.
Everyone gathered around the table, enjoying the variety of dishes and conversation. The atmosphere was warm and friendly. Alla sat next to Nika, with Katerina on the other side. Ryu and Joe sat opposite, while Andrew sat beside.
"How did you get here?" Alla inquired.
Nika recounted their long journey in the car. She also told the story of the mysterious shadows in the fog. But everyone just laughed. Nika found the story amusing too.
"Maybe they were surems?" Katerina whispered in Nika's ear.
"Do you mean ghosts?" Nika asked again.
"They're not ghosts," Katerina replied defensively. "They are beings from another time."
And she fell silent, indicating she didn't want to talk about it further.
"Alla, is this your house?" Nika asked, trying to steer the conversation to lighter topics.
"Not quite," Alla replied thoughtfully, taking a sip of wine.
"It's the witches' house," Andrew interjected.
"Witches?" Nika asked, laughing, thinking it was some kind of joke.
Andrew nodded.
"You'll soon understand everything yourself," he added. "Let's finish eating quickly and go explore the house."
After they finished eating, they embarked on a tour of the mansion. They started with the library, where the walls were lined with books from floor to ceiling. Then they visited the music room with a grand piano and antique musical instruments.
Next, they headed to the garden, where rare plants and flowers flourished. The light filtering through the glass roof created a stunning light show, reflecting off water droplets on the leaves.
The evening concluded in the living room, where Joe played a few melodies on the piano, and Andrew told amusing stories from his travels. The atmosphere was so captivating that time flew by unnoticed.
"You must be very tired. Let me show you to your room," Alla said tenderly.
The bedroom Alla showed Nika had a regal atmosphere. The walls were adorned with warm, pastel wallpapers, occasionally adorned with refined, intricate patterns. The bed was large, with a luxurious, soft mattress drowning in a sea of fluffy pillows and a light silk coverlet. In the corner of the room stood an antique wardrobe made of dark wood, adorned with antique books and rare items. Opposite the bed was a large window offering a view of the starry sky and the mansion's garden.
They settled on the soft bed.
"Does this house really belong to witches?" Nika decided to ask.
"You could say that," Alla replied.
"Who are they? Will I see them?"
Alla chuckled.
"You've already seen some. You'll meet the rest later," Alla said affectionately. "This house was built centuries ago and belonged to a powerful lineage of witches, each with unique abilities."
"Really? It sounds like a fairy tale," Nika said in amazement.
Alla laughed:
"I'm afraid your notions of witches are quite different and mundane. Don't burden your mind, you're tired today anyway. Rest after the long journey."
Nika smiled in agreement and settled comfortably on the soft bed. Alla left the bedroom. Thoughts of witches and the secrets of this house still swirled in Nika's head, but she decided to heed Alla's advice and rest. While Nika lay, pondering her adventures, Katerina softly entered the room.
"You're not asleep yet?" she asked, smiling. "I brought you some chamomile tea to help you feel better after the journey and sleep well."
Nika gratefully accepted the cup of herbal tea and breathed in its warm, soothing aroma. Katerina sat beside her and spoke:
"You know, this house is truly full of secrets. Each of us who lives here has our own unique story and abilities. We're like a family, albeit a bit unusual."
Nika listened with interest, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"So who are all of you?" Nika asked.
"You've already been told," Katerina said sharply. "Now drink your tea and go to sleep."
And Katerina left the room.
To Nika, Katerina seemed like a small, capricious, fragile girl, but at the same time, there was something mature and wise about her. Nika finished her tea, and as soon as she lay down on the bed, she fell into a deep sleep.
