This is a guest chapter to post the impressive work of art made by a friend based on this fiction. It is set at the end of Chapter-1 when Hector and Lenore go up the fountain - it is updated as the book cover of this work. In honour of this gift, I have written a short scene of their conversation on top of the fountain to be posted along with the picture. Many thanks to Letícia Abrahão for this gift, I urge all of you to go see her gorgeous other works (Links shall be posted in the Notes at the end).

The water sloshed around Hector's knees before flowing down in dozens of tiny rivulets, misting the air further with a cold spray. This was uncomfortable. His companion, however seemed to be at home, her crimson eyes set towards the night sky.

"Is the view from the top of the fountain as good as you imagined it?"

"Shush", Lenore shifted her gaze to Hector feeling his discomfort, "Close your eyes and just feel the wind Hector".

"Couldn't we have done this from the castle?"

"We could. But it doesn't offer the same view".

"What do mean? It is the same view", Hector replied confused.

"Striga and Morana's quarters are visible from here. And the new King", Lenore rolled her eyes before continuing, "Is watching us from their window. Do not-"

Hector snapped his head around before spotting Isaac and waved. Lenore sighed. She noticed the bastard nod at Hector from the periphery of her vision before disappearing from view.

"Is this why we are up here? I am uncomfortable Lenore. Let us go down", Hector stated accusatorily. He might have already jumped, if not for the fact the drop from this high without her help would certainly break a bone.

"Oh that was just was one part of it. But an entertaining part, nonetheless. Did you know the castle was built at the exact spot where two wind fronts meet?", Lenore asked while reverting her gaze back to the stars.

"Is that why there is usually a cloud cover over the castle but not the valley?"

"Yes", Lenore smiled, "The view is the same above the fountain and in the castle but the castle walls do not block the wind currents here. And scene of the Styrian valley side always calms me. So just relax and feel the breeze Hector."

Hector pulled his knees closer adjusting himself and breathed deeply while closing his eyes. The wind was on his face and he could hear its singing voice as it moved around the castle's turrets.

"The view is perfect is it not?", Lenore's musical tone cut through the air.

Hector opened his eyes to the Styrian skyscape dotted with a million bright stars. He felt the wind change directions hitting his back this time and spraying the water some more. Tendrils of scarlet flitted into his view in strange but exquisite juxtaposition to the inky black of the night. His eyes traced them back to its owner, his vision clouding with her fiery red mane. Her face was almost iridescent under the moonlight.

"Yes. It's perfect", he agreed.

NOTES:

Twitter link :( /leti_abrahao/status/1408217857742278661)
Artist Handle: leti_abrahao

Deviant Art Link: niluki/art/The-Perfect-View-883667457
Artist Profile: Niluki

Instagram Handle: leti_abrahao

Tumblr Profile: odd1seven