Tabitha's POV
I followed Klein closely, both of us wearing masks that matched the mysterious atmosphere of the castle.
Klein swapped out his usual blue sapphire ring for an opal one.
The change, though small, seemed to presage an unusual evening.
Entering the gate, I heard the sound of a piano from the top floor just as two crows swooped past.
The rose vines looked enchanting and mystical in the dim light. A gust of wind blew, and though it was almost summer, I suddenly had goosebumps crawling up my back.
Klein deliberately lowered his voice. "Don't be afraid. Just stay close to me. Don't do or say anything later."
I nodded. After all, seeing Elena was the only goal I came here today.
Just as we entered the hall, the piano sound ceased abruptly.
The whole place felt like it went into silent mode.
Two people came towards us, their footsteps hurried and disordered.
As they got closer, I recognized them right away, even though they both wore masks that covered the upper part of their faces—it was Albert and Ethan.
I was glad I had a mask on my face, too, as I was buzzing with excitement.
The fact that they were here proved that I was getting closer and closer to Elena.
They practically sprinted over. Panting, they stopped respectfully three meters away from Klein. "Mr. K," they greeted in unison.
I stared at Klein's straight back, the lights casting a long shadow behind him.
He stood with his hands behind his back. Though I couldn't see the expression on his face, I felt his domineering aura, which made the air feel heavy.
As Klein's gaze fell upon them, they looked kinda nervous.
Even though they were wearing masks, I could still sense how perturbed they were. Klein must have been pretty formidable.
Albert took the initiative to explain, "Madam Rose has urgent matters to attend to and couldn't personally come to greet you. Mr. K, please excuse her. This way."
Klein stayed silent all the time, but the intimidating aura emanating from him was suffocating.
I was secretly glued to his back, thinking this was what a big boss looked like.
Klein and I were respectfully led to a room. He took a seat while I stood off to the side, doing my best to blend in.
Albert looked nothing like the arrogant guy who kidnapped me before. He was hunched over, basically like a lackey now.
Ethan, who used to be so indifferent, brewed the best tea and brought it to the table. The fragrance of tea soon filled the air.
Then they stood aside with their hands down, looking like kids who just got caught doing something wrong.
Klein fiddled with the opal ring on his finger and said slowly, "As I remember, there's a genius neurologist here named Hawthorn. I wanna see her."
His voice, though small, carried an undeniable seriousness.
Albert and Ethan looked at each other, and then the former asked in a low voice, "Dr. Hawthorn is conducting important research. Mr. K, may I know what this is about?"
I'd been guessing how Klein was gonna get me to see Elena. But I didn't expect he would adopt such a straightforward approach.
Klein replied in a cold voice, "You don't deserve to know. I need her here in three minutes."
"OK. Mr. K, I'll go get her now. Just a sec," Albert said nervously and then hurried out of the room.
Albert's reaction raised a ton of questions in my mind.
Who exactly was Klein? Why were they so afraid of him?
But honestly, my curiosity about Klein faded in comparison to my excitement.
Elena was right here!
We finally were about to meet!
Crystal whispered in my mind, "Tabitha, stay vigilant, but also don't forget why we're here."