A dozen of them

Ryan walked out of his room, his steps light and organized, falling on thick, finely wool-handmade white carpet, walls adorned with artwork and light-colored paint. Soon enough, he found himself gazing at a massive staircase built of pure marble, sculptured by gold.

The castle looked as though it came straight out of a fairy tale, a royal palace in a romance drama.

Descending to the first floor, passing by the silent corridor to the dining hall, Ryan caught a glimpse of Amelia's shadow through a half-open door.

He paused, feeling a tug on his trousers.

Stare--

Exchanging stares in a deadlock with a child, looking like a replica of Noah's younger self, barely reaching his thighs, Ryan didn't blink an eye.

The confrontation continued for a few more seconds till the child's eyes started to water, cheeks puffing up persistently, tiny fists clenching the half-open door.