Rhia quickened her pace, her small feet struggling to keep up with Alaric’s long strides as they moved through the dimly lit streets and into a dark alley. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and old stone, and the faint hum of the city seemed to fade behind them.


    Just as she was about to ask where they were going, Alaric stopped abruptly and turned to face her. His piercing blue eyes met hers, and for a moment, he simply studied her, his expression unreadable. Then, almost imperceptibly, the corner of his mouth twitched into a faint smile.


    Without a word, he reached into his long, rust-red coat and pulled out something small that glinted faintly in the dim light. It was a gem, no larger than a coin, its surface smooth and shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Rhia’s eyes widened as she stared at it, her curiosity piqued.


    “This,” Alaric said, his voice low and steady, “is a Sola. It can take its user from one space to another—anywhere you desire.”


    Rhia blinked, surprised. It felt as though he had read her mind, answering the questions she hadn’t even voiced.


    Before she could respond, he extended his hand, the Sola resting in his palm. “Put your hand on top of mine,” he instructed, “and try not to be queasy.”


    She hesitated, her small hand hovering above his. For a moment, she considered pulling back, but something in his calm demeanor reassured her. Slowly, she placed her hand over his, her fingers trembling slightly.


    The Sola began to glow faintly at first, a soft, warm light that grew brighter with each passing second. Rhia’s breath hitched as the light became overwhelming, filling her vision until she could see nothing else. She closed her eyes instinctively, her heart pounding in her chest.


    When she opened them again, she was no longer in the alley.


    The first thing she noticed was the air—crisp and clean, carrying the faint scent of flowers and moss. Her eyes scanned her surroundings, and her breath caught in her throat.


    In front of her stood a massive, ancient mansion, its stone walls weathered by time but still imposing. Vines and ivy clung to its facade, their leaves a vibrant green against the gray stone. Outgrown flowers spilled from window boxes, their petals a riot of colors, while patches of moss softened the edges of the structure, giving it an almost magical quality. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.


    Alaric gestured for her to follow as he led her up the stone steps to the grand entrance. The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing a spacious foyer illuminated by the soft glow of chandeliers.


    The walls were lined with intricate wood paneling, and the floor was made of polished marble that gleamed under the light.


    The attendant, a man in his sixties with soft, kind features and silver hair neatly combed back, bowed deeply to Alaric. His movements were precise, almost ceremonial, as if he had performed this gesture countless times before.


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    His eyes, warm and crinkled at the corners, flickered toward Rhia with a mixture of curiosity and gentle concern. She stood awkwardly behind Alaric, her small frame dwarfed by the grandeur of the mansion and the presence of the two men.


    “Welcome back, sir,” the attendant said, his voice smooth and respectful. His gaze lingered on Rhia for a moment longer, taking in her disheveled appearance—her tangled black hair, her tattered clothes, and the faint smudges of dirt on her face. Yet, there was no judgment in his eyes, only a quiet understanding.


    Alaric gestured toward Rhia without turning to look at her. “Please guide this child to a room and prepare a meal for her,” he instructed, his tone firm but not unkind.


    The attendant nodded, his expression softening as he turned fully to Rhia. He gave her a small, reassuring smile. “Of course, sir. Young lady, I am Elias. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”


    Rhia hesitated, her dark brown eyes darting between Alaric and Elias. She wasn’t used to being addressed so formally, and the attention made her shift uncomfortably on her feet. “I’m... Rhia,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Elias’s smile widened slightly, as if her response pleased him. “Rhia,” he repeated, as if testing the sound of her name. “A lovely name. Please, follow me.”


    He turned and began walking toward a grand staircase, his steps measured and unhurried.


    Rhia glanced back at Alaric, but he was already moving away, his attention seemingly elsewhere. She hesitated for a moment, then hurried after Elias, her small footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble floor.


    As they walked through the mansion, Rhia’s eyes darted around, taking in the opulent details. The walls were adorned with portraits of people she didn’t recognize—men and women dressed in elegant clothing, their expressions solemn yet dignified. Between the portraits were displays of antique weapons, their blades gleaming, and shelves filled with books whose spines were worn with age.


    They reached a grand staircase, its steps carpeted in deep red, and began to ascend. Rhia’s fingers brushed against the polished wooden banister as she marveled at the intricate carvings that adorned it.


    At the top of the stairs, they were met by a young maid, no older than her twenties, with a freckled face and a warm smile. She bowed slightly to Rhia before introducing herself.


    “Good evening, miss. I’m Lina. I’ll be assisting you tonight.”


    Lina led Rhia to a spacious room, its walls painted in soft, muted tones. A large bed with a carved wooden frame dominated the center of the room, its sheets crisp and white.


    The washroom, which Lina guided her to, was equally stunning. The floor was made of smooth, pale tiles, and the bathtub was a deep, clawfoot design, its surface gleaming. A mirror framed in gold hung above the sink, and the air was scented with lavender.


    Lina helped Rhia wash, scrubbing away the dirt and grime that had clung to her skin for so long. The warm water was soothing, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Rhia felt clean.


    After the bath, Lina brought her a dress laid out on the bed—a simple yet elegant dress made of soft, cream-colored fabric with delicate embroidery along the hem.


    Once Rhia was dressed, Lina excused herself, promising that a meal would be prepared for her in the dining area downstairs.


    Alone in the room, Rhia took a moment to look around. Her eyes landed on a full-length mirror in the corner, and she approached it hesitantly.


    The girl who stared back at her was unfamiliar. Her tanned complexion glowed, her dark brown eyes wide and expressive. Her black hair, now clean and brushed, framed her face in soft waves. She touched her cheek, marveling at the transformation. For the first time in her life, she felt... beautiful.