Chapter 18: The Tour
Hera led Raelynn through the grand hallway, her steps steady and sure. Her polished shoes made a soft click on the marble floors, mixing with the distant noise from the rest of the house. Raelynn followed her closely, her sneakers feeling totally out of place in such a fancy place.
"Let's start from the beginning," Hera said, glancing back at Raelynn with a polite smile. "The main gate is heavily secured, as you may have noticed when you arrived. Only those with permission are allowed through. It's monitored 24/7 by a team of guards, and there are surveillance cameras throughout the estate."
Raelynn nodded, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. "Sounds… intense," she murmured.
"It's necessary," Hera replied matter-of-factly. "Mr. Vaelorian values privacy and safety above all else."
They continued walking, and Hera gestured toward the tall windows lining the hallway. "The estate itself is surrounded by high walls, and the grounds are patrolled regularly. You're quite safe here, Miss Moore."
Raelynn tried to process the information, glancing out at the expansive gardens beyond the windows. The lush greenery and meticulously maintained pathways seemed like something out of a magazine. She couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed.
As they moved through the mansion, Hera began introducing her to various rooms.
"This is the main living room," Hera said, pushing open a set of heavy wooden doors. Inside was a space so vast and opulent it took Raelynn a moment to take it all in. The room was filled with elegant furniture, a massive fireplace, and a chandelier that glittered like a thousand tiny stars.
Raelynn tried not to gape, but her eyes betrayed her awe. This is just the living room?
They continued to the next area, Hera pointing out each space with precision.
"This is the common room, often used for informal gatherings," Hera explained. "And here is the gym. Fully equipped, of course. Mr. Vaelorian ensures only the best facilities."
Raelynn took a peek and saw rows of shiny gym equipment and weights, untouched and brand new.
Next, they passed a private bar with shelves full of bottles in all shapes and colors. The soft lighting and polished counters made it look really upscale.
"Do people even use this?" Raelynn muttered under her breath.
Hera chuckled softly, overhearing her. "Occasionally, yes. Now, here is the cinema room."
Raelynn's mouth dropped open as she stepped inside. The room was a miniature theater, complete with plush reclining chairs, a massive screen, and surround sound that she could almost feel in her bones.
By the time they moved to the next area, Raelynn was completely shaken. She glanced around at the sheer grandeur of it all, her thoughts racing. This house is insane. He is, like, rich rich. Who even has a house like this? He doesn't need to go anywhere—he's got everything right here.
Eventually, they arrived at a door that stood out from the others. It looked dark and intimidating, like it had some sort of power behind it. Hera stopped in front of it and turned to Raelynn.
"This," Hera said, her tone serious, "is Mr. Vaelorian's bedroom. You're not allowed in there, for any reason."
Raelynn blinked, glancing at the door before looking back at Hera. "Don't worry," she said dryly. "That idea hasn't even crossed my mind for a second."
Hera's expression softened into a faint smile. "Good."
Raelynn noticed then that Elion's room wasn't far from her own. The realization sent a strange, fleeting shiver through her, but she pushed the thought aside as they continued the tour.
When they finally finished, Raelynn found herself sitting in the backyard. The space was enormous, with wide open lawns, neatly trimmedgardens, and a small fountain bubbling quietly in the center. The air was was cool and fresh, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers, and the sunset lit up the sky in shades of orange and pink.
She leaned back in her chair, letting out a long breath. Hera had mentioned several rules during the tour, and Raelynn's mind replayed them as she stared at the fountain.
Don't enter Elion's room.
Don't wander into restricted areas.
Don't leave the estate without permission.
The list went on, each rule reminding her just how different her life had become.
"Miss Moore," Hera's voice interrupted her thoughts.
Raelynn turned to see Hera approaching with a glass of something cold and refreshing.
"Here," Hera said, placing the drink on the small table in front of her.
"Thanks," Raelynn said, taking the glass gratefully. She took a small sip, the cool liquid soothing her dry throat, before setting it back down.
She noticed that Hera remained standing nearby, her posture straight and hands clasped in front of her.
Raelynn gestured to the seat beside her, patting it lightly. "Why don't you sit? You've been on your feet all day."
Hera shook her head, her smile polite but firm. "I'm fine, Miss Moore. But thank you."
Raelynn sighed but let it go, knowing Hera wasn't going to change her mind.
After a moment of silence, Raelynn spoke again. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," Hera replied, tilting her head slightly in curiosity.
Raelynn hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. She knew she probably shouldn't ask, but her curiosity got the better of her. "Is… is Elion barren or something?"
Hera's eyes widened a bit, showing the tiniest crack in her usual composed look. She looked genuinely perplexed by the question. "I beg your pardon?"
"Forget it," Raelynn said quickly, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "That was a stupid question. Just… forget I said anything."
She silently scolded herself for letting her curiosity run wild. Why did I even ask that?
Hera regained her composure and stepped a little closer. "The baby is important to Mr. Vaelorian," she said softly. "That's all I can say."
Raelynn blinked, her mouth opening slightly as if to ask more, but she stopped herself. Hera's words landed hard, leaving an awkward silence between them.
"Right," Raelynn finally said, looking away. "Got it."