"That's our founder. Miss. Adella."
Elise stared at the portrait, her breath catching in her throat. The resemblance was uncanny. The woman in the painting had the same striking features—the same sharp jawline, the same piercing eyes. But there was a coldness in Adella's expression that made Elise's skin prickle.
"That's... impossible," Elise murmured, still locked in disbelief. " She looks…"
Kieran slowed his pace, glancing back over his shoulder. "Looks like you, doesn't she? We all thought it was strange when we first saw you. Some of the older members say it's like Adella's reincarnated."
Elise blinked, her throat tight. "Reincarnated?"
Kieran shrugged. "Just rumors. But the resemblance? Can't argue with that. Don't worry about the old geezers though."
Elise felt her heart hammering in her chest. She tore her eyes away from the painting, not wanting to think about it any longer. "And... who exactly was she? Your founder?"
