Isabella's POV

Niles led me down the polished marble hallway, his steps slow and deliberate while mine clicked awkwardly against the shiny floor. I kept my eyes mostly on the ground, afraid to lift them too high, because the house was already overwhelming me. Chandeliers dangled like stars, walls glowed with soft lights, and the air smelled faintly of lavender and something expensive I couldn’t name.

Finally, he stopped in front of a door, opened it, and gestured for me to enter. My ...