Lance bowed politely toward the two women. “Hi, my name is Lance, and I’ll be in your care from now on, Miss—”

  The woman in the yellowish-white dress stared at him for a moment before a wide smile stretched across her face. “It’s Carla. And oh, please, don’t be so formal. Come inside, we can talk more.”

  Without waiting, she turned around and started walking deeper into the mansion. The girl beside her followed quietly. Lance glanced at Edwin, who gave him a slight nod as if to say, “Better get moving.”

  Carla came to a stop in front of a door and pushed it open. Inside, the room was brightly lit, a long dining table in the center that looked like it could host a royal banquet—22 seats at least. Paintings with golden frames lined the walls, a massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, and beneath it all, a bright red carpet covered the floor. The table was decorated with candles, fresh flowers, and—most importantly—plates filled with steaming, delicious food.

  “Please, make yourself at home,” Carla gestured toward the table, her smile soft but careful. “I prepared some snacks. I figured you’d be hungry after that long trip.”

  Okay, this is insane. Lance blinked at the scene in front of him. Am I royalty now? Did I just enter a palace? Where’s the butler with the champagne?

  Before he could say anything, Edwin stepped in. “That smells good. Mind if I take a bite?”

  Carla’s smile vanished. “Actually, I do mind. Would you come with me for a second?”

  Edwin’s face dropped like a stone in a lake. He slowly backed out of the room, following Carla, and the door clicked shut behind them. Just as silence settled in, Carla’s voice slipped through from the other side:

  “You really brought an orphan back home? Just how much are you planning to spoil her?”

  Oh, wow. So she wasn’t okay with it. Lance sighed. Well, at least I know someone in this house is sane. Not looking good for me though.

  He turned to the food. I should eat this before Edwin walks back in and tells me to pack my bags. He made his way to a seat and grabbed a drumstick, ready to devour it—when he noticed something.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  The little girl was still in the room. She stood silently, just watching him with those bright green eyes.

  This is awkward. Why is she just staring at me like I’m a zoo animal?

  Lance cleared his throat. “Do they fight like this often?”

  She paused for a second, then mumbled, “Yeah. A lot.”

  More silence. Lance tried again. “What’s your name? Hope you caught mine—it’s Lance.”

  “Ariel,” she said softly. “By the way… how old are you?”

  “I’m 19. What about you?”

  “I’m 16.”

  Before they could continue, the door creaked open again. Carla popped her head in. “Ariel, after Lance is done eating, guide him to his room. His luggage should already be there. I’m not finished with your father yet.”

  And just like that, she shut the door again.

  Ariel turned to Lance. “Are you done?”

  What the— He looked down. I haven’t even finished my first drumstick. But he plastered a smile on his face and stood up, dropping the meat back onto the plate.

  “Yep. Tasty stuff!” He forced a fist down, gripping all his frustration in one hand.

  “Okay, good. We can leave through the back door. Follow me.”

  As they left the dining room, Lance could still hear Carla and Edwin arguing in the distance. He looked toward Ariel, who was already a few steps ahead. “Hey—wait for me!”

  He jogged to catch up.

  Ariel led him up to the second floor, taking a left. After passing six doors, she stopped in front of one and grabbed the handle. “We’re here.”

  Lance peeked in. The room was… amazing. Two comfy-looking chairs sat next to a small coffee table. His luggage rested neatly beside a dressing table. A door on the right led to a private washroom, and right in the center, a large bed with red and white patterned sheets faced a tall window covered with red-cyan curtains.

  “Whoa,” Lance muttered out loud.

  Ariel turned to him. “Once you’re done sorting out your luggage, come back downstairs for dinner. It’s at eight. And I hope Dad mentioned—you’re starting school tomorrow. Semester’s already a month in.”

  Lance nodded. Ariel gave a small wave before disappearing down the hall.

  Lance turned to his luggage and sighed. Alright, time to make this place feel like mine—

  A sudden scream shattered the calm.

  He dropped everything.

  The scream echoed through the mansion, and Lance bolted out of the room, rushing down the stairs to where the sound came from.

  And then he froze.

  There, at the bottom of the steps—Carla sat on the floor, her arms wrapped tightly around Ariel’s lifeless body. The young girl lay motionless. Her bright blonde hair stained crimson. Blood soaked her clothes. Her eyes… were gone—lying beside her, each pierced through with a toothpick.

  Lance couldn’t move.

  Carla looked up at him.

  She smiled.

  A slow, eerie smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Then, in the blink of an eye, the smile faded. Tears rolled down her face.

  Edwin came running. As he reached the staircase, his eyes widened in horror at the scene. He looked at Carla… then followed her gaze, straight to Lance.

  “MURDERER!” Carla screamed, her voice shaking the walls.

  Edwin didn’t even flinch.

  His expression turned cold. His hand went to his back pocket, and from it, he pulled out a revolver.