488 A glimpse into the past

Alicia's steps echoed softly as she followed him down the dimly lit hallway, her thoughts a whirlwind of curiosity and caution. She had never been one to trust strangers, yet here she was, trailing behind a man she had just met. His confident strides and assured demeanour, however, gave her a faint sense of reassurance, tugging at the thin thread of her curiosity.

He led her through corridors that seemed untouched by the rest of the event's attendees, as if he knew the building intimately. Alicia's gaze flickered around, noting the disarray of paintings and ornaments that hinted at a forgotten past. Her curiosity burned brighter, urging her to discover what he was leading her toward.