Am I ready to go into the house where I lost my childhood?
Only one way to find out.
4
Elsa
Home.
Such a strange word.
Here I am again. In Birmingham. At home.
Knox has already hopped out of the car as if his arse was on fire.
The distance from the front gate to the mansion is long. A stylish garden extends as far as the sight goes, and it’s filled with trees cut into different geometrical shapes.
A tremor shoots through my limbs as Dad and I stand in front of the mansion’s grand gate.
Two lion statues decorate the entrance, just like in my fragmented memories.
I don’t think I ever realised just how big our mansion was when I was younger. I remember the wires, the private lake, and the long runs Dad and I took within the perimeters of our property.
Our house is larger than the King’s mansion. Perhaps it’s because they’re in London while we’re far away from the city, in Birmingham.
The cloudy sky casts a gloomy shroud over the two towers standing tall on the eastern side.
A shudder runs through me at the sight, clawing at my ribcage like a prisoner needing release. There’s something about those towers, but what?
“Welcome home, princess.”
I rip my gaze from the architectural masterpiece to stare at my father. He watches
me with pride and accomplishment like he wanted to bring me back here all along.
“I… I thought the whole house was burned down in the fire.”
“It was.” Nostalgia covers his gaze before it soon disappears. “It wasn’t easy, but we renovated it to make it look like before.”
“I see.”
It’s all too… surreal.
If it becomes red and foggy right now, I would know for sure it’s a dream. Maybe I’m still in Dr Khan’s office, reliving the memory of my first meeting with Aiden.
Maybe this morning never happened. Maybe Aiden isn’t engaged to Silver.
I inwardly shake my head. I won’t think about him. I won’t think about him...
Dad takes my hand and interlaces it with his arm. “Let’s go inside. You must be tired.”
My feet move of their own volition as we step into the foyer.
Marble.
That’s the first thought that jumps to mind. Marble flooring, marble stairs, and even a marble lion statue.
Wait. Is that a thing?