he opulent surroundings of the room. The first thing that struck me was the sheer size of it all – the vast expan

lush comfort of the bed beneath me. The mattress seemed to cradle me

e tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of ancient battles and heroic deeds. Intricately c

adding to the sense of luxury that surrounded me. Sunlight filtered

previous night came flooding back – the chase through the forest, the scent of danger hang

ank into the plush carpeting below. I rose to my feet, the

my fingers trailing over the polished surfaces of the fur

ke whispers in the wind. But one thing was certain – I was no longer alone in

ke it before, having grown up in a small village in Poland where luxury was a distant dream. My family had struggled to make

softer than anything I had ever felt before, and the plush carpet beneath my feet was like walking on clouds.

a world far removed from the poverty I had known. And yet, I couldn't help

ow. Lush green gardens stretched out as far as the eye could see, dotted with fountains and marble statues

ings, I couldn't shake the sense of unease that lingered in the air. The injuries that I had sustained from the even

he answers seemed to be. It was like being in a dream, a str

ind. But they were like scattered puzzle pieces, fitting together in a way that didn't quite make sense.

of great wealth and power, a place that seemed to hold the a

ze towards it, wondering if someone would finally come to explain what had

y chest. I didn't know what to expect on the other side,

cold metal sending a shiver down my spine. I took a

ong, carpeted hallway. The walls were adorned with more ta

my footsteps. I hesitated, unsure which direction to take. S

y sign of life. But the only sound was the ec

random. I walked down the hallway, my curiosity growing with each step. I kn

y. Every door I passed was ornately carved, adorned with intricate de

han the others. Without thinking, I reached for the doorknob, turning it sl

ound tomes that looked as if they had been untouched for centuries. The

y books in one place before. It was like stepping into a world of knowledge a

y voice echoing off the bookshelves.

the spines of the books. They were old, some of them

ulling one of the books of

r cover worn smooth with age. I flipped it

my eyes scanning the faded

g to the other books around me. There were so many

couldn't see the beginning of the

ake, Evara" I heard

f it was my imagination, because last I recalle

tty name,

aid again, and I realized it was comin

e laced with confusion. "Wh

emingly out of nowhere. I let out a st

arrowing as I studied the stranger's

ng gesture. "I'm sorry if I scared you

e sense of his words. "I'm sorry, but my na

if taking in the informa

but... you look exactly like s

looks around before saying "She was Cyrus' wife, but she's dead. No

hat. I'm Baelakis. Who

erday" he paused again "your accen

s? I owe him my thanks"

land, hence that accent. Come with

ything that had happened. Who was Evara, and why did I loo

features of the house, but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn't help b

indows that offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Every detail of the house seemed to

appliances and granite countertops. A pantry was stocked with an array of exoti

own unique theme and decor. There was a library that rivaled the one I had woken

an elegant gazebo adorned with twinkling fairy lights. Then a massive swimming pool. It was when I looked at my reflection through it that I realized how clean and well put together I looked. I didn't even notice

ery room. Despite the opulence, there was a sense of warmth and comfort that made it feel like a home rather t

house, "tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you fr

re, in fact, I don't even know where this is. I was kidnapped by some people while I was on our little farm back at home." I told him. I w

There was silence for a while. "Let

elicious-looking food was laid out on the table. My stomach

said, gesturing to one of the

t I'm not sure if I can eat right now," I said. "I

understandable," he said. "But you need to put some

I appreciate your concern," I said, "but it's just hard to focus on food when I'm still processing everythi

oing through," he said. "But sometimes, taking care of our basic needs, like eating and

, taking a deep breath. "I'll tr

of the food on the table. As I took my first bite, I was surprised by

tability. I became more animated as I sampled the different dishes, delighting in the flavors and textures. The whole experience was a welcome respite from the chaos and confusion of my situation. As I fini

od digest, I spoke up "I'd like to know somet

help but

n his chambers. We have people who work here too, although they

live here?"

have to stay here most of the time to keep things

hing. Are we both the o

help but

n his chambers. We have people who work here too, although they

live here?"

to stay here most of the time to keep things in

to look like, and he saved my life. I had lots of questions I wanted to ask, but I didn't w

ouldn't likely see him. I was curious about him, given what Stephen had told me earlier about his wife's death an

generous of Cyrus to provide housing for hi

ir and just, even when times are tough. It'

" I asked, trying to gather more

nds since we were young, and we've been through a lot tog

ed out to Stephen. He only looked

ike to read? I saw the way your eyes lit

escape for me, especially when things get tough. The library here is so beautiful, I have never seen anything like it, it's hard not to get lost in it.

owerful things, can't they? They can transport us to different worlds

storical fiction, memoirs, and even non-fiction. As long as it's well-written and engag

" Stephen said. "Have you read an

e..." the longing for home shut me up for a moment. "It was a magical, immersive story that really tran

re are lots of books there and if you don't,