Alex pushed through the glass door, and the world transformed.
The controlled elegance of Thornhaven's interior gave way to something else entirely... expansive, open, designed not to impress visitors but to provide sanctuary for those who belonged here.
Afternoon sunlight hit him immediately, warm against his skin after the climate-controlled halls. The air shifted, alive with flowering plants and chlorine, the faint sound of water moving somewhere nearby.
His eyes adjusted, taking in the scene with appreciation that had nothing to do with tactical assessment.
"Woah…"
The word slipped out before he could stop it.
His steps slowed... then stopped entirely... as his gaze swept across the open expanse before him.
"…this is unreal."
A low breath escaped him, part disbelief, part genuine awe.
"This… this is at least three times bigger than my pool," he murmured under his breath, eyes widening as he took another few steps forward. "No — four. Maybe more."
