They led me through the estate without another word.
The further we moved into the eastern wing, the quieter it became, the liveliness from earlier fading into something more fake. The structure here was different from the rest of the settlement. It was still crafted with that same natural elegance, wood curved instead of forced, light filtering in through wide windows rather than harsh openings, but it lacked the openness of the main area. It felt more… enclosed. Controlled.
Even so, it was far from unpleasant.
I had expected something far worse.
The corridor was clean, the floors smooth beneath my feet, the faint scent of something herbal lingering in the air. The walls were lined with subtle carvings, not grand or excessive, but deliberate. It was simple, yes, but not lacking.
Better than a cell.
Better than what they likely thought I deserved.
[Host expected dungeon arc.]
I ignored him.
