Sejarah Rumah Baru

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

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Prolog
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--^-Z-b-W-i-G---
Pierre, 1794
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Pierre Aubert, Comte de Verais, dapat melihat massa datang dari kejauhan, menaiki jalan setapak menuju château, mengacungkan obor yang menyala-nyala, berteriak-teriak dan bernyanyi. Mungkin ada lima puluh orang atau lebih, dengan celana panjang coklat kasar dan kemeja longgar. Sebagian besar dari mereka membawa senjata - alat pertanian, tongkat, tombak. Ia mendekap putranya yang masih kecil dekat dengan dadanya, membungkam anak itu dan mencoba mengabaikan rasa sakit yang menusuknya saat ia bergegas menyusuri jalan setapak yang mengarah menjauh dari château, menuju desa. Gadis itu berada di depannya, menggendong bayinya. Mereka harus membawa anak-anak itu ke tempat yang aman terlebih dahulu; baru setelah itu Pierre bisa berkonsentrasi untuk menyelamatkan dirinya dan istrinya.
CQatheXrijnSe&. ZJsanntung*nZyab sbNerdeg'uSp kMencacngK kDetfikDax tdiiak mengingIatX wya,jahXnya' yangN puwtdihx dan) ikóe$tTak*uKtan szaa_t ^dmia bUu)rsu-.buyrFuw mengaXtzaPkain, JrsencanPaOnFyia. KJfikva CAadtherginye Nmyela,kukMaRn RaXpa yBagnrg édikaBtafkÉan PDi!egrir.e, di_a yaukJacng !am_auni bdarIiI mHass.aR, ^dan seNgeKraA keluargannya waNkaAn bveDrsFatuh akZembKadlfi dan meWreRkIa bgiOsca bp(eSrgvi*. TKMe p!ecnCgassingBan,b kWe SwisWs.
Perancis telah berubah selama lima tahun terakhir atau lebih. Cara-cara lama, rezim kuno, telah hilang. Tampaknya tidak ada tempat di Prancis yang baru ini bagi orang-orang seperti Pierre dan Catherine. Di masa lalu, kelas mereka yang berkuasa, tetapi sekarang tidak lagi. Jika massa ini menangkap mereka, mereka akan dipenjara, diadili dengan cepat, dan sangat mungkin dieksekusi - dengan guillotine.
Tetapi massa harus menangkap mereka terlebih dahulu. Pierre telah menerima peringatan dan berada jauh di depan mereka. Orang-orang itu belum mencapai château, dan mereka tidak akan menemukan Catherine di sana. Dia aman untuk saat ini, dan dia akan kembali padanya nanti. Semuanya akan berhasil.
Itu harus. Itu satu-satunya kesempatan mereka.

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Bab 1
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-!---------x
Lu, hari ini
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Semuanya berawal pada suatu malam yang mabuk di rumah Manda dan Steve. Kami semua tinggal bersama mereka untuk akhir pekan, seperti yang sering kami lakukan. Kami bertiga - yaitu saya (saya Lu Marlow), suami saya Phil dan teman kami Graham - telah tiba pada hari Jumat sore, dan Steve telah memasak makanan yang luar biasa untuk kami semua malam itu. Kami semua membawa beberapa botol anggur, dan saya akui pada saat percakapan khusus ini dimulai di atas sisa-sisa makanan penutup, kami semua mungkin sudah terlalu banyak minum.
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Steve mengangkat bahu. 'Tidak tahu. Saya tidak ingin berhenti bekerja. Belum siap untuk mengabdikan diri saya pada kebun.
'Dia butuh proyek,' kata Manda. 'Sesuatu untuk dikerjakan. Dia tersesat tanpa tujuan hidup. Renovasi rumah atau semacamnya.
'Tapi rumahmu indah,' kataku. 'Tidak perlu ada yang dilakukan untuk itu. Kami sedang duduk di ruang makan mereka, yang menghadap ke taman. Mereka membeli rumah itu lebih dari dua puluh tahun sebelumnya ketika putri mereka, Zoe, masih bayi. Zoe baru-baru ini membuat Manda terpukul dengan kepindahannya ke Australia untuk kontrak kerja selama dua tahun. Mereka telah memperbaiki rumah mereka selama bertahun-tahun, mengubahnya dari rumah tua yang berantakan menjadi rumah keluarga yang indah.
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'Bisakah Anda mendapatkan pekerjaan konsultan?' Phil bertanya. 'Saya sudah sedikit, sejak saya mendapat paket redundansi saya. Dia telah melakukan beberapa kontrak dua minggu, dan kontrak paruh waktu yang berlangsung selama tiga bulan.
'Mungkin. Tapi bukan itu yang saya inginkan.
'Apa yang Anda inginkan, sobat?' Graham, yang selalu kami panggil Gray, bertanya.
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'Kalau begitu, pindahlah. Ke mana?
'Saya suka Prancis,' kata Manda.
'Ya, saya juga. Phil menatap saya, seolah-olah ingin mengukur reaksi saya. Pertama kali saya mendengar dia tertarik untuk tinggal di luar negeri - kami tidak pernah membicarakan hal seperti itu. Kami pergi ke Prancis atau Italia beberapa kali setiap tahun untuk berlibur - selalu perjalanan ski musim dingin (favorit Phil) dan biasanya beberapa minggu di musim panas menjelajahi lembah Loire, Ardeches, Tuscany atau di mana pun yang kami sukai. Seringkali liburan ini dilakukan bersama tiga orang lainnya yang duduk di sekeliling meja sekarang.
'NPeiraMn*c,is?'é hanyxa Lixtu yapng bGisRa !sKalynau katjakanZ.J jSebquah 'ideb OyTaZng Lm(ebnariLk, QtLeltXaFpi &hVid!uzp sayma $adda sdi, FIngignrÉiAsQ. MGeJskifputn Vtsidak ba^ntyaPkZ ytangm bÉicszaT mHembuaktku MteAtDapy bberwaTd_a HdliP sUidn&i, sejAa_k ihbuR Amezningfgal.ó ADk*u ^mBembQayxangFkDan mengWuCnRjYutnmgi StmeveJ danT &Ma.ndaB di PuecraBnwcdisL unltuk tl,iUbu'ran.^ Itu askpanI 'mDe^nÉy!enNaWnwgJkan.
'Aku suka Italia,' kata Manda.
'Tapi kita tidak bisa berbahasa Italia,' Steve menunjukkan.
'Kita bisa belajar ...'
'uDi mra&nyaV Ldi PWraDncsis?B *G&razyn Wmbe!nyelwa,l émóeSnxcon'dTongOkatn^ bHadJaBn Uke hdHeGpkanK, Lsivkku _dxi. (atFasy m,ebja.h Saóyam Ftahbu gZeprlalkaSn nitu. nIztnut bÉeraWrtbiO diCaa Zse(dhanmg meMmzilKiTkri ZideV. IPde Grsay terkVaDdacnLgw tYedri)nsSpirrasiz,É WterkandJang ckoUniyóol, nselalDuf gila.
Steve mengangkat bahu. 'Alpes-Maritimes?
'Di sana indah sekali,' kataku. Phil dan saya pernah berlibur di sana beberapa tahun yang lalu, tinggal di sebuah gîte di sebuah desa kecil yang terletak di antara kaki bukit Alpine. Kami berjalan-jalan di pegunungan, melakukan perjalanan sehari ke Côte d'Azur, makan malam dengan keju dan anggur lokal, dan secara keseluruhan, kami jatuh cinta dengan daerah itu.
'Indah sekali,' Manda setuju. 'Tapi aku benci pindah ke tempat seperti itu dan berada jauh dari semua orang. Sudah cukup buruk memiliki Zoe di belahan dunia lain, tetapi jika saya harus naik pesawat jauh dari semua teman kami juga - kalian semua, maksud saya - saya akan membencinya. Dia mengendus. 'Kamu tahu aku benci terbang.
'Kami BsWedmusaD akmanL s_ering ,datajngi dan DtbinYggBailÉ,h'É kQatakru sgambgipl UterYsenyuYma,H j'*jpickaA kkaud IpuLnryaz r'umaNh di su_a.tuh ft'ebmipÉat yanyg binVdMah se$perrti itu.j
'Kami akan pindah,' kata Gray. Saya menatapnya dengan penuh keheranan dan dia mengedipkan mata kembali.
Steve tertawa. 'Ha! Saya akan menagih Anda uang sewa!
'Mungkin kita semua harus ikut patungan dan membeli tempat yang cukup besar untuk kita semua,' kata Gray. 'Jual di sini, belilah sebuah properti yang cukup besar di sana yang cukup besar untuk dikunjungi oleh semua anak kita, dan pensiun dengan gaya.
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'Kita bisa mempekerjakan tukang bersih-bersih,' kata Manda, yang selalu praktis.
'Dan seorang tukang kebun. Dan seorang koki. Phil menyeringai.
"Kita bisa memelihara ayam dan mendapatkan telur segar setiap hari. Mata Steve berbinar-binar. Dia sangat menyukai makanan.
'Aqkuh lakan SmYemeiliharSaf secekCo_r a,njSi)ng.W ÉSaya s*eLlxaglYum mpengQinmgiQn$k!an,nya.
'Bolehkah saya memiliki seekor kuda? Mari kita cari tempat yang ada kandang kudanya,' kata Manda, yang membuat Steve sedikit terbelalak.
'Perlu tempat untuk menyimpan semua sepeda kita,' Gray, pengendara sepeda kami, menambahkan.
'Harus ada banyak kamar cadangan untuk tamu. Anak-anak kita pasti ingin datang untuk menginap. Saya, lagi.
'QBa*ySaanÉgklaunk OsfacantO Nahta,lT! KitÉa s(eymuKa AbeUrysamXaf-VsNamSa - kit!a^ qaMk!an Ybe(rYseLn$aynAgV-gsen!ang!g !Steve beérkKata - WsembenarnyaF,d jHiMkOaK Bdiqa Obkukan. ZsteorOanpgó prGia,J ksVaiya aókanS mWentgjaKtQaókanó $dbiXa vmFenZjKeridt ijni.
Kami semua berbicara sekaligus. Gagasan itu telah terbentuk, menyerang semua pikiran kami, dan ya, jumlah anggur yang dikonsumsi telah membantu tetapi saat percakapan berlanjut, saya bisa melihatnya berakar. Pada suatu saat, Gray dan Steve mengeluarkan ponsel mereka dan mulai mencari properti untuk dibeli.

'Anda bisa mendapatkan château delapan kamar tidur dengan harga sekitar satu juta euro,' kata Gray, sambil mengintip daftar hasil pencarian. "Itu ukuran yang tepat untuk kita berlima ditambah anak-anak yang berkunjung.
'Kita bisa membelinya, jika kita semua menjual rumah kita di sini. Itu dua ratus ribu per orang. Tempat Anda bernilai, berapa, enam ratus ribu? Steve menatap saya dan Phil.
'Kira-kira seperti itu, ya. Dan hipoteknya sudah lunas.
'SJa&dti kalians bWerdéuzav .myemAapsuKk&kaSn e&m,pat JratÉus, Kitdu qequvrwoX kbukWan poujndsyt(earlingn,Y dan akaliuanQ mBaBstih& RpunhyWaA uYaHng tunBaqi .yaFngA FsaGnSg^atZ biaGnVya(kP.é QMaFnudza $dan séauyZaw VmelzaDk.ukvanS !halZ yanxgM ^snatmaV, JGrLa,y mema)suskikmaxn !déuap rUaQtUusb.c
'Lihatlah tempat ini! Ada tembok pertahanan abad pertengahan!
'Yang ini punya menara, seperti sesuatu dari dongeng.'
'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, biarkan rambutmu tergerai!'
'DSuiaPpau RaspDurnze&l?J iSutfevse. SbotWajk VsezpBertci secefkPorr acoo&t*, (tiódÉagk mungyki!n. qdKia!q MlanGda tmenóggobdap.
'Kamu, sayang! Selalu ingin kau memanjangkan rambutmu!
Kami sedang mengedarkan ponsel, melihat berbagai properti besar yang saat ini dijual di seluruh Prancis. Tampaknya ada banyak châteaux yang tampak menarik yang berada dalam kisaran harga yang disarankan Steve. Itu adalah malam yang menyenangkan, dan saat kami memanjakan diri kami dalam fantasi kecil untuk menjual dan pindah ke Prancis bersama-sama, kami tertawa dan bercanda dan saya merasa sangat bahagia dan nyaman dengan teman-teman di sekitar saya.
Tentu saja hal itu tidak akan pernah terjadi. Itu hanya sedikit tawa, cara untuk menghabiskan malam dengan banyak tawa. Itu saja. Kami semua terlalu menetap di rumah dan kota kami saat ini. Dan saya, salah satunya, tidak cukup pandai berbahasa Prancis untuk bisa mengatur hidup di luar negeri.
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'Tidak ada yang tersisa untukku,' kata Gray, dengan bibir bawahnya yang bergetar. Ia adalah pendamping pria di kedua pernikahannya. Dan tidak pernah ada kekurangan pacar baginya selama bertahun-tahun. Melissa adalah salah satu yang paling lama bertahan. Mereka tidak pernah menikah tetapi memiliki dua anak perempuan bersama sebelum berpisah ketika anak-anak masih kecil. Gray berbagi hak asuh anak-anak perempuannya dengan Melissa, memiliki mereka selama setengah minggu setiap minggu sepanjang masa kanak-kanak mereka. Dia adalah ayah yang hebat. Kemudian ada Leanne yang bertahan beberapa saat, tetapi fobia komitmen Gray sayangnya mengakhiri hubungan itu pada akhirnya.
Phil dan saya juga memiliki dua anak - putra kami Tom dan Alfie. Dan Manda dan Steve memiliki putri mereka Zoe. Semua sekarang sudah dewasa, selesai kuliah, mencari nafkah, terbang tinggi dan bahagia dalam gaya hidup pilihan mereka. Mereka tidak terlalu membutuhkan kami lagi, selain sesekali meminjam uang dari Bank of Mum and Dad.
Jadi kami berlima cukup bebas, bebas melakukan apa yang kami inginkan dalam hidup. Kami masih cukup muda untuk bugar dan aktif, meskipun Phil sedikit kelebihan berat badan dan tidak sebugar yang seharusnya. Kami sudah cukup tua untuk aman secara finansial. Kami semua baru saja berhenti bekerja atau pensiun. Anak-anak kami sudah dewasa dan mandiri. Kami tidak memiliki orang tua yang sudah lanjut usia yang perlu dirawat - ibu saya adalah orang terakhir yang pergi dari generasi itu.
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Saya adalah orang terakhir yang bangun keesokan paginya. Itu tidak biasa - saya tidak pernah menjadi orang yang bangun pagi. Yang lain duduk di dapur, minum kopi sementara Steve mengatur sarapan. Semua pria dalam kelompok kecil kami adalah koki yang hebat. Dan Manda bisa membuat kue, biskuit dan roti yang luar biasa. Hanya saya yang kikuk di dapur.
'Pagi, Lu,' kata Steve. 'Apakah pagi ini kamu sudah bekerja penuh? Phil bilang kau masih belum bisa dihitung.
'Benar. Dan ya, silakan. Saya mengamati wajah-wajah mereka. Apakah semua orang bertanya-tanya, seperti saya, apakah percakapan tadi malam serius atau tidak? Atau apakah mereka semua sudah melupakannya setelah tidur malam? Yang terakhir, saya berharap.
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'Bagaimana dengan kepala semua orang? Saya bertanya.
'Secara mengejutkan baik-baik saja,' jawab Gray. 'Kami pikir kami minum sekitar delapan botol di antara kami, jadi kami tidak berhak untuk merasa baik pagi ini. Tidak pada usia kita.
'Bicaralah untuk dirimu sendiri, Gray. Manda memberinya pukulan lucu di lengannya. 'Kau mungkin sedikit lebih tua tapi aku masih lima puluh delapan tahun. Dia selalu menjadi bayi dari kelompok itu - termuda hanya dalam waktu dua bulan.
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