As I stood nervously at the door with Mary, I couldn't shake the churn of anxiety in my stomach. The grandeur of the mansion, with its high ceilings and luxurious furnishings, was already intimidating enough. But now, standing outside the office of the man they called "Master," the weight of it all pressed heavily on my shoulders. Mary knocked lightly on the door, her calm presence offering a sliver of reassurance. After a pause, a deep, commanding voice sounded from within, giving us permission to enter.
Mary opened the door and stepped in first, nodding for me to follow. I took a deep breath, summoning whatever courage I could muster, and followed her into the room.
