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“They are,” Leon said. “Most extend considerably farther into the mountain than their fronts suggest.”

I looked at the windows again.

The part I could see was already huge. I couldn’t imagine how much more of it was hidden inside, and I was already starting to feel tired. My feet were beginning to hurt too.

“Are we nearly there?” I asked Alaric. “I’m enjoying the walk, but I think my feet have had enough.”

“We’re nearly there.”

He immediately shortened his steps, and the others slowed with us.

We passed a few more houses before Alaric stopped beside a wide entrance set back from the walkway.

“Welcome to the Stormforge Residence.”

I looked up at the pale stone walls, the tall windows glowing warmly above us and the balconies overlooking the walkway. The house stretched much farther along the street than I’d expected. A carved arch surrounded the wide front doors, with deep window boxes full of plants nearby and a stone bench tucked beneath the balcony.

I smiled. “I like it.”

Alaric gave me time to look before taking me beneath the arch. Lucien stopped beside us, with the others close by, and I tipped my head back to look at the windows again.

“Are you ready?” Alaric asked.

“Yes.” I smiled at him, so curious about what was inside that I’d completely forgotten about my feet. “I’m far too excited to see inside.”

The front door closed behind us, and I looked around.

We stood in a large room with two sets of doors ahead of us and nothing else.

“Why two doors?”

“The doors on the right lead to our formal residence, where we receive official visitors,” Alaric explained. “Those on the left open into the lift that leads to our private residence above.”

Darius called the lift, and all six of us stepped inside with plenty of room to spare.

When we came out again, I had to tip my head right back to see the ceiling.

It had to be five storeys high.

Some of the rock was polished smooth, but other sections were left rough, with warm lights tucked into the gaps. I was still staring upwards when a woman with her dark hair neatly tied back came towards us.

“Welcome to the Stormforge Residence, Lady Elowen. I am Livia, House Steward.” She stopped in front of us with her fist against her chest. “Your rooms have been prepared with care, and your belongings have already been unpacked. If you require anything further this evening, it will be arranged.”

“Thank you. It’s lovely to meet you.” I smiled, hoping I didn’t look anywhere near as tired as I felt.

Livia turned to Alaric. “Will you require anything further this evening, First Alpha?”

“Nothing further, thank you. A peaceful rest to you, Livia.”

“And to you, First Alpha. Lady Elowen.” She inclined her head to me before leaving us.

Alaric led me through an open doorway beside the lift into a room just for shoes and coats. Cupboards, shelves of boots and long benches lined the walls.

I was much more interested in the benches than anything else.

Leon explained that we left our outdoor shoes there, so I sat down, slipped mine off while the men removed their boots, then stretched my toes and sighed.

Much better.