Chapter 6

                                    

                                          

Callista Miller
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Standing outside the imposing mansion, which could easily outshine any castle, I took in the grandeur of Ares's home—something I hadn't fully appreciated during my previous visit. The building, painted a pristine white, was adorned with intricate carvings on the edges, pillars, and ledges, giving it a regal touch. The three-story house featured expansive glass walls and windows that reflected the light brilliantly. The large front door remained as I remembered it, while the vast garden surrounding the mansion was equally impressive. On the right, a circular field of beautifully planted flowers encircled a stunning sculpture of a woman. On the left, a paved pathway led to an enchanting gazebo, and a long driveway culminated in a grand circular fountain in front of the staircase leading to the entrance. I was mesmerized by the mansion’s splendor—its boundaries towering like the Great Wall of China, with guards stationed along the perimeter and metal gates securing the property. I was admitted after providing my name and purpose, and I was informed that Ares was inside and had granted me entry.
Once again, I found myself in the living room, memories from my last visit flooding back. The maid who had opened the door and escorted me here asked me to sit, which I did, bowing slightly in acknowledgment. She then left to fetch Ares. I immediately felt uncomfortable, shaking my hands in front of me; her bow seemed unnecessary and excessive. I was merely an ordinary high school student, and she was of my mother’s age. I should have been the one showing respect, not the other way around.
I waited for what felt like an eternity—actually, it was just an hour—for Ares to arrive. Tapping my feet on the white marble floor and fumbling with my bag’s zipper, my patience wore thin. Where was he? It was already four in the afternoon, and I needed to get home. Contemplating what to do, I glanced around the empty living room, the hallways, and the staircase that tempted me to explore. Should I really go up? Could I? What if he was busy with something else? If he knew I was here and still didn’t come, did he think I had nothing better to do? I had skipped an invitation from Becky and my friends for a Netflix marathon to work on this project—only for him to be absent. It felt both ridiculous and disrespectful. My time was not meant to be wasted.
Resolving to stop waiting, I stood up, slung my bag over my shoulder, and made my way towards the staircase. I glanced around for the maid, but she was nowhere to be seen. Strange, where had all the maids gone?
Climbing the stairs slowly, I headed towards the hallway where I had woken up last time. The familiar paintings and vases greeted me. I placed my ear against each of the six doors, one after another, listening for any sounds, but it was eerily quiet—almost as if no one lived here. Returning to the staircase, I ascended to the second floor, where three hallways branched off from a circular hall. A magnificent crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting reflections of light through the stacked floors below, from the third to the first floor. I was awestruck by the architecture. Remembering my task, I continued my search, which felt like a real-life adventure game with Ares as the prize.
Finding nothing on the second floor, I moved to the third floor. How large was this house? I felt exhausted, unable to fathom how the maids managed in this maze. I had lost my way multiple times, consuming valuable time. Bending down, I rested my hands on my knees, catching my breath. As I raised my head, my eyes landed on a pair of white double doors at the end of the hallway. It was the only room on this floor, and I had a strong suspicion it was Ares's room. Adrenaline surged through me as I walked toward it. Reaching the doors, I raised my fist to knock but noticed a slight gap between them. Forgetting about knocking, I barged in, anger bubbling inside me at the thought of waiting for so long while he lounged in his room.
Big mistake. My mouth fell open, eyes widening in shock. I stumbled backward, my hands coming to my mouth as a gasp escaped me. Ares, sitting in front of a mirror and dressing table beside the presumed washroom door, turned his head toward me. His electric blue eyes met mine with an intensity that left me breathless. Even with a deep cut on his right shoulder, the injury was not causing him visible pain.