Kiane stepped out of the room with Ella at his side. The hallway stretched before them like something from a palace. High ceilings with carved decorations, marble floors that gleamed under crystal chandeliers, and paintings covering every wall. The place was massive, bigger than any house he'd ever imagined.
'This is insane. Even the hallway is the size of my entire apartment back home.'
As they walked, his eyes caught a portrait hanging prominently near a grand staircase. It showed a younger version of himself, maybe twelve or thirteen, dressed in elaborate clothes that looked expensive but old-fashioned. Not quite medieval, but definitely not modern either.
Next to it hung another portrait. A man who looked remarkably like Kiane's current face, but older and harder. His eyes were cold, calculating, with the kind of expression that suggested he didn't smile often. The resemblance was unmistakable.
'That must be Kaine's father. He looks like someone you wouldn't want to cross.'
