The afternoon sun dipped low over Polaris as Kael and I left the lively streets behind. The cobbled lanes gave way to quieter paths, lined with ivy-draped fences and old lampposts that would soon glow with soft amber light. I had no idea where he was taking me, only that the further we went, the calmer everything felt — like the world itself was finally slowing down.
And then I saw it.
At the end of a narrow street, half-hidden behind a wrought-iron gate and framed by tall oaks, stood the most beautiful house I had ever laid eyes on. It looked like something out of a dream — dark brick glowing amber in the fading light and tall windows framed with curling vines. I stopped walking, completely mesmerized.
“Kael…” I breathed, turning to him.
“This place… it’s—”
He smiled softly, that r
