Chapter 74
Zara
The car stopped in front of a majestic palace. Which was located in the middle of the pack. I clearly smelled my family, which made me happy.
I expected anything but this. Instead of being constructed in varying shades of black, the façade was a symphony of cool, calming blues, from soft azure to deep sapphire, creating a serene and enchanting facade.
I could only imagine what it would look like in daylight.
Nothing short of an architectural marvel, harmoniously blending modern design with whimsical, otherworldly elements.
I watched it, mesmerized, through the rolled-down car window.
The palace’s design was a harmonious blend of sleek, modern lines and organic, flowing forms. The walls were adorned with stylish, iridescent blue tiles that shimmered in the sunlight, creating the impression of a cascading waterfall frozen in time.
The large floor-to-ceiling windows were framed with exquisite azure-tinted glass, allowing natural light to fill the interior while maintaining a sense of privacy.
I looked up at the roof. It was a masterpiece of design, reminiscent of a swaying ocean wave, with overlapping layers of blue slate. At the top of the roof, a crystal-clear skylight was visible. It must have let in the natural light, creating a magical aura.
The enormous iron gates, painted deep blue with a detailed floral pattern, opened, and the car entered the expansive grounds.
Olfi opened the door for me, and I stepped out onto the cobalt tiles. My stunned gaze wandered to the manicured garden.
The lush landscape was filled with blue flowers and plants, including roses, hydrangeas, and bluebells. A winding bluestone path led to a sparkling infinity pool that seemed to blend with the sky.
I was so absorbed in the beauty of Alpha’s palace that I didn’t even notice him approaching and stopping next to me.
“Welcome to my humble abode. I hope you enjoy your stay p>
I turned to Alpha Kane abruptly.
“You must be kidding me? This is stunning,” I blurted out, and his lips twitched into a slight smile.
“Let me show you inside. Come.” He led the way.
I noticed the entrance was a majestic archway framed by a cascade of blue hydrangeas and wisteria. The door opened, revealing a spacious foyer with a mosaic floor depicting an abstract seascape.
The interior continued the blue theme: the walls were painted in soft, muted tones of aquamarine and turquoise, complemented by vibrant cobalt-blue furniture and decor.
It seemed some interior designer had misunderstood the concept and, armed with their own imagination, had created a blue sky.
We walked into the living room, and I was even more stunned. A fireplace with a polished lapis lazuli mantelpiece occupied the center, surrounded by soft, dark blue sofas and armchairs upholstered in luxurious velvet.
One wall was occupied by a large abstract painting of the ocean and white sand; the deep blue and white tones evoked the serenity of the sea.
Breathtaking, everything about this place was breathtaking.
“Let me show you the kitchen. The chef is always at your service, and you can also have anything you desire,” Alpha Kane said quietly, watching me immerse myself in the beauty of this majestic place.
I barely nodded and moved like a mindless idiot.
We headed to the kitchen. It was, without a doubt, a chef’s dream: sleek blue-gray cabinets and polished blue granite countertops. The large center island was topped with a slab of shimmering blue quartz, and the backsplash was a mosaic of tiny, hand-painted tiles in various shades of blue.
All the modern electronics were elegantly mounted on the countertops.
“This is simply wonderful,” I remarked, tearing my gaze away from the kitchen.
“At your service. Make yourself at home and use whatever you like p>
I nodded gratefully at Alpha. He seemed quite relaxed inside, even proud, but in a pleasant way, not the usual haughty demeanor Alpha Kane had in the office.
“Come on, I’ll show you your room,” Alpha Kane offered, and I followed him into the main hall.
The imperial staircase leading to the palace’s upper floor consisted of two wide flights, rising symmetrically from the ground floor and converging on the central landing of the first floor.
The entire structure was a masterpiece of design, with a dark blue finish.
The staircase was framed by a finely wrought iron railing adorned with elegant silver accents. The exquisite patterns shimmered in the soft light of the chandelier.
We began to ascend, and I watched the steps… They were made of polished blue marble with veins of lighter shades, creating a luxurious yet cohesive look.
The balustrades curved gracefully, each pillar topped with ornate blue crystal caps that caught and reflected the diffused light. The walls flanking the staircase were paneled in royal blue with black and silver inlays, complementing the rich hues of the staircase.
My gaze slowly rose to the vast ceiling, painted with a celestial landscape in varying shades of blue, depicting swirling clouds and adding a dreamy ambiance to the staircase.
The entire staircase felt like a doorway to a fantasy book.
I knew Alpha Kane was rich, but his taste was genuine.
We approached a blue door, the centerpiece of which was a huge diamond. Its rich, deep cobalt hue resembled the ocean at dusk, arousing curiosity and admiration.
The laconic, velvety matte paint on the door gave it a modern yet timeless look.
“Place your hand on the crystal,” Alpha Kane commanded, and intrigued, I obeyed. The crystal felt warm beneath my fingers and began to glow with a faint blue light.
“Lean closer and say ’enter,’” Alpha Kane requested, looking at me.
I obeyed again, and the door clicked open.
“Your voice is recorded. Only you and the person you command to enter may enter your room. No one else can enter your room without your permission,” Alpha Kane explained.
Mesmerized, I nodded, having never seen such a system before.
Alpha Kane masterfully combined modernity with antiquity and retro classicism.
I was impressed: it was the most beautiful palace I’d ever seen, and I’ve seen many.
The door opened, and I stepped inside to inspect the guest bedroom Alpha Kane’d offered me.