Chapter 4: Maximo's World
As Lia stepped out of the limousine, she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. The grand estate stretched out before her, with its manicured lawns and sparkling fountains. She had never seen anything like it.
The figure beside her, who had introduced himself as Marco, placed a gentle hand on her elbow. "Steady, Lia," he said, his voice low and soothing. "You're safe now."
Lia shook her head, trying to clear the cobwebs. She didn't feel safe. She felt like a prisoner, trapped in a world she didn't understand.
As they walked towards the mansion, Lia caught glimpses of herself in the windows. Her eyes were sunken, her skin pale, and her hair disheveled. She looked like a refugee, not a guest.
Marco pushed open the front door, gesturing for Lia to enter. She hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest.
But as she stepped inside, Lia was struck by the warmth and elegance of the mansion. The marble floors gleamed, the crystal chandeliers sparkled, and the artwork seemed to whisper stories of their own.
Marco led her deeper into the mansion, Lia's eyes adjusting slowly to the grandeur. They eventually arrived at a door hidden behind a tapestry.
Marco pushed open the door, revealing a room that seemed to belong to another world. The walls were lined with books, the air thick with the scent of leather and smoke.
A figure sat behind a massive desk, his eyes fixed intently on Lia. He was older, his face chiseled from granite, his eyes piercing.
"Welcome, Lia," he said, his voice low and commanding. "I am Maximo. You are now a part of my world."
Lia felt a shiver run down her spine as Maximo's eyes seemed to bore into her very soul. But as she looked deeper, she saw something there, something that looked almost like kindness.
"Please, Lia," Maximo said, his voice softer now. "Come in. Let us talk."
Lia hesitated, unsure of what to do. But as she looked at Marco, she saw a gentle nod of encouragement.
She took a deep breath and stepped forward, into the unknown.