Last night it had felt immense and shadowed, almost intimidating in its quiet grandeur, but now sunlight spilled across polished floors, softening the sharp lines of the hallways and warming the carved walls and silver fixtures until the entire place felt lived-in rather than imposing. It felt alive, as though the house itself had woken up alongside them.
Dakota barely had time to take it in before Takoda tugged her hand. "Quickly," the girl whispered, as though they were fugitives sneaking through enemy territory.
Dakota bent closer, smiling despite the nerves fluttering in her stomach. "Why are we whispering?"
"Because Grandfather will say we are late."
Dakota nearly choked on a laugh. "Wonderful."
