As Kaiden stepped through the grand archway of Ashborn Manor, the heavy doors groaned open, revealing the vast interior beyond.
The manor's entrance hall was a spectacle of nothing but pure pride and power.
Vaulted ceilings stretched high above, painted with gold-trimmed murals of the Ashborn bloodline's victories and the achievements of their high-tier guild, New Dawn.
The floor was an immaculate black marble, so polished it reflected the entire party like a mirror. Twin staircases curved upward, framing the main corridor that led deeper into the estate.
Lining the sides of the hall stood a formation of maids in crisp black and white uniforms, all standing straight-backed in a line. Their postures were flawless, eyes lowered, but not a single one bowed to Kaiden as they should to a direct line heir of the family.
Not a single one greeted him properly.
They bowed to him as if he were any other guest the Ashborn family decided to entertain in their home.
