It took Ian a couple of minutes to find the right key, and when he finally unlocked, they all stumbled inside, trying not to knock down a coat hanger or one of the paintings on the walls. Winter closed the door. The hallway was swimming in a mix of dim golden lights from the small lamps on the walls and green from the Aurora outside the large windows.

“Is it always lit up? Even when no one’s here?” asked Daniel.

Ian said, “There are always a couple of servants around to take care of it.”

“Oh, so we won’t run into your father?” Chris murmured, a certain weight lifting off his shoulders.

“I should hope not,” said Winter.

“No! No one from the family is here at this time of year…” Ian whispered urgently, face going pale.

A voice from down the hallway called out something in Aurorian, and they all jumped. After a small pause, it added in English:

“I am well-skilled with the sword, I’m warning you!”

Winter stepped back towards the door, one hand raised in readiness. Ian only groaned. A few tense seconds later a tall figure in a night robe emerged from behind a corner, sword in hand.

When it was close enough to see them clearly, the person lowered their weapon. “Ah. Christian. I wasn’t expecting you.”