For Me,There Is Only You |18+|

19. His world

With each turn of the wheels, a sense of anticipation grew within me.

An unexplainable energy seemed to permeate the air, creating a strange buzz. The atmosphere itself felt like it was shifting, becoming charged with an unfamiliar power. A shiver ran down my spine.

As the road delved deeper into the forest, the surroundings underwent a gradual transformation. The trees grew taller and older, their trunks exuding an aura of solemnity.

A tingling sensation crawled up my arms, accompanied by a soft, melodious hum that seemed to resonate within my bones. It was as though the forest was alive, extending a welcoming embrace.

"Guess the barrier is working just fine," Kyler said to no one in particular.

Barrier?

The feeling did suggest that we had crossed some sort of boundary.

And then, just beyond the next rise in the road, it came into view. A three-story wooden house stood bathed in a soft, iridescent glow. The exterior of the house was a testament to craftsmanship, with weathered wooden panels that have taken on a warm, honeyed hue over time.

Ivy and creeping vines elegantly adorned the walls, as if the house itself was harmoniously integrated into its woodland surroundings. The large windows, adorned with intricately carved wooden arches, provided glimpses of the majestic trees and the sunlight filtering through.

"Do you like it, Neev?," Kyler's voice broke through, and I glanced at him through the rearview mirror. He must have noticed the astonishment on my face as I absorbed the sight of my new surroundings.

I barely nodded my head in response.

Kyler parked the car and stepped out, closely followed by Ansel. Lost in my surroundings, I barely registered the backseat door opening until I saw Ansel's expectant gaze.

Right, I couldn't walk on my own.

I gave a nod as his eyes silently sought permission, and in the next moment, he lifted me from the seat in a bridal style. As he began walking toward the house, my heart raced with anticipation.

It felt like I was stepping into an entirely new world, leaving my old life behind.

When Ansel paused at the threshold of the house and didn't immediately move forward, I tilted my head to look up at him. His sparkling blue eyes were solely focused on me. "Welcome home, amina," he spoke tenderly.

Home....I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat.

Would this house ever truly become a home for me, or would it always feel like a prison?

"What does 'amina' mean? You've called me that before," I inquired, as he stepped inside.

The lack of an immediate response from him confirmed my suspicion that he wouldn't answer my question.

As I looked around, the ground floor opened up into a warm and spacious living area. The evening sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a soft glow on the exposed wooden beams overhead. The air carried the scent of polished timber and the subtle aroma of old books.

The living room was adorned with well-worn furniture - plush sofas and tables - while the walls showcased nature-inspired artwork. A grand fireplace stood as the heart of the room, its stones weathered by the dance of countless flames.

I continued to look around as Ansel started ascending the winding staircase, its banisters gracefully carved.

Suddenly, Ansel's footsteps faltered, drawing my attention. I lifted my gaze to see the reason for his pause.