Chapter 40: Marcus Elias Ravenfield (3)
The foyer had two separating doors on its sides—one to the left, leading to the kitchen where Silas had just peeked, and another to the right, still cloaked in mystery. In the center, nestled between the sweeping staircase, were a pair of matching doors that led to the back of the estate. Their dark oak finish gleamed faintly under the chandelier's golden glow, each one bearing ornate silver handles shaped like coiled dragons.
"Guess I'll meet my mom then..."
He spoke to no one in particular, his voice low as he moved forward, shoes whispering across the marble. He passed through one of the middle doors, entering the next chamber.
It was the mansion's common room.
Soft light spilled through tall, arched windows, painting long patterns across the hardwood floor. A pair of elegant couches faced each other before a polished coffee table, and the corners of the room were dotted with high bookshelves, their contents ranging from dusty tomes to picture books. A delicate chandelier swayed gently overhead, stirred by the distant hum of enchantments.
But what caught his eye were the toys.
Tucked into a woven basket beside one of the shelves, a small wooden sword peeked out, along with plush animals and tiny magical constructs—glow-crystals faintly flickering within them. On the rug near the fireplace, a knight figurine stood mid-fall, as though frozen mid-battle. A princess figurine lay beside it, arm outstretched.
Guess these were my toys when I was still a child.
He knelt down slowly, fingertips brushing the knight's tiny sword. The craftsmanship was impressive, even for a toy—its painted armor detailed with tiny runes. Something about the placement, the dustless patch beneath it, felt... recent.
"I need to keep all of this in mind... If I want to blend in."
He muttered to himself, more a promise than a thought.