The car rolled up the grand driveway, and Elara couldn't help but stare in awe at the sight before her. The mansion loomed ahead like something out of a dream—tall columns, sweeping staircases, and windows that gleamed with the reflection of the sun. The marble steps leading to the door seemed like they belonged to another world.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Killian's voice broke through her reverie, and she blinked, pulling herself back to the present.
"It's... incredible," Elara said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She felt small in the shadow of such opulence, but her fascination was hard to ignore. Everything about this place screamed wealth and power—things she had only read about in stories.
"You'd better get used to it," Killian muttered, his tone flat. "This is my world."
Before Elara could respond, the car came to a stop. Killian stepped out first, his movements fluid and confident, while Elara hesitated for a moment. She could feel her nerves bubbling up again. But she wouldn't let them take over. Taking a deep breath, she followed Killian toward the grand entrance.
---
As they approached the front door, Elara couldn't help but be captivated by the grandeur of the mansion. It was magnificent, with towering columns, perfectly manicured gardens, and a large fountain that sat in the center of the driveway. The wealth was overwhelming, and for a moment, she wondered how Killian fit into all of this.
The door opened with a soft click, revealing a large hallway with high ceilings. The polished marble floors gleamed under the soft lighting, and a grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over everything.
As they stepped inside, Elara's heart beat a little faster. Her eyes scanned the room in awe, but before she could take it all in, a voice echoed from the staircase.
"Elara, I presume?" The voice was deep and authoritative, belonging to a man with a presence that immediately commanded respect.
Elara turned to find an elderly man descending the stairs with slow, deliberate steps. His hair was white and neatly combed, and his sharp eyes regarded her with careful interest. His stature and demeanor made it clear that he was someone of great importance in this house.
"Yes," she responded, standing up straighter, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
The man's gaze softened slightly. "Welcome, Elara. I'm Victor, Killian's grandfather." He extended his hand, and Elara shook it respectfully. She could feel the power in his handshake—strong, steady, yet not harsh. The kind of man who commanded respect, but also seemed to offer a strange form of warmth beneath the cold exterior.
As they exchanged pleasantries, Killian stood quietly beside Elara, his expression unreadable.
After a brief greeting, Victor nodded toward the hallway. "Dinner is prepared. You must be famished after the journey."
Elara nodded, though she was unsure if she felt hungry or just overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the house.
"Shall we?" Victor motioned for them to follow him.
---
As they walked toward the dining room, Elara couldn't help but admire the beauty of the mansion. But it wasn't long before her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind her. Killian had stopped to speak with his grandfather, exchanging a few words in low tones.
Elara turned her attention ahead, unsure whether to continue walking or wait for them. But Victor's presence seemed to command the attention of everyone in the house, and she didn't want to be caught staring.
Finally, they reached the dining room. The long table was set with fine china and polished silverware, and tall windows let in soft, golden sunlight. Everything in the room felt larger than life.
But before Elara could say anything, a sharp voice broke the silence.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" A woman's voice, dripping with sarcasm, came from the far side of the room.
Elara turned to find a tall, elegant woman with dark hair and a cool, assessing gaze. This must be Killian's mother. Her features were sharp and regal, but her eyes were icy as they scanned Elara.
"Mother, this is Elara," Killian said in a flat tone, his usual indifference present as he gestured toward her.
Elara gave a polite nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
The woman didn't smile but gave a short, dismissive nod. "The pleasure is mine," she said curtly, before turning away.
---
Before dinner began, Elara was introduced to Killian's two sisters, who had been quietly observing her from the moment they arrived. The older one, with dark hair like her mother's, looked her over with a skeptical, almost calculating gaze.
"Elara," the older sister said, her voice smooth, yet filled with an undercurrent of disdain. "Quite the name for someone so... unassuming."
Elara met her gaze with a steady stare. "I suppose I'm full of surprises," she replied, a touch of confidence entering her voice.
Killian's younger sister, who was seated next to her, made no effort to hide her displeasure. She crossed her arms and scoffed. "What exactly does Killian see in you, Elara? You don't exactly fit in with the rest of us."
Before Elara could respond, Victor, the patriarch of the family, spoke up from the head of the table. His voice was calm, but there was a firm edge to it.
"Enough, both of you." His tone brooked no argument, and the sisters fell silent, albeit reluctantly.
---
As they settled into their seats, Elara found herself sitting next to Killian's grandfather, who didn't waste time in starting a conversation.
"So, Elara," Victor began, his eyes never leaving hers, "Tell me, what makes you think you're worthy of joining our family?"
His question caught Elara off guard, but she didn't flinch. She met his intense gaze with the same level of poise she had maintained so far.
"I'm sure because I've faced challenges that have shaped me into someone who knows how to earn their place," she said, her voice steady. "I don't need approval from anyone to prove that. I'll let my actions speak for themselves."
Victor's lips twitched slightly, either in amusement or approval—it was hard to tell.
"A confident answer," he remarked, his tone softening a fraction. "But you'll have to prove yourself more than just through words."
Elara nodded, unbothered by his challenge.
---
As dinner progressed, the tension in the air was palpable. Killian's sisters continued to exchange subtle barbs toward Elara, but she didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she let the remarks roll off her, focusing on the meal and maintaining her calm composure.
Killian's mother, though silent, observed her with interest, and Elara could feel her calculating gaze on her. But unlike her sisters, she didn't show outright disdain—just a cold neutrality that sent a clear message: she would not be an ally, but she wouldn't be an enemy either.
Elara, for her part, was determined to hold her ground. She wasn't going to let herself be the subject of mockery or judgment, not by anyone in this family.