Astraea's POV
The ride to wherever Draven was taking me had felt like an eternity. I had tried to distract myself by watching the city pass by, but the horrid lights and the constant movement of humans going about their insignificant lives only annoyed me further.
Then we finally arrived, and the moment I laid eyes on the house in front of me, I had the urge to strangle Draven.
It was white.
Not just white—pure white. Like something out of a holy sanctuary. A shining structure that looked like it had been plucked straight from the heavens and dropped onto this miserable human city.
I barely managed to school my expression into something neutral, but internally, I was screaming.
Draven stepped out of the car, walking around to my side before opening the door for me. I took a slow breath, gathering my composure, before stepping out. The house in front of me looked like a stupid joke, and I had to resist the urge to turn around and get back into the car.
As we approached the front door, Draven spoke. "This is my house," he explained. "Since King Therion's notice was short, I didn't have time to prepare a separate residence for you, but the house is large enough that we won't have to run into each other unless necessary. You'll have your space."
I frowned, pausing for a brief moment before stepping inside after him. The interior was just as bad as the exterior—white walls, light-colored furniture, and an overall brightness that made my skin itch.
I turned to Draven, crossing my arms. "As far as I'm concerned, you're supposed to be teaching me about the human world," I said calmly. "It only makes sense that I stay around you. Otherwise, I'll be forced to figure things out on my own, and you wouldn't want me making unnecessary mistakes, would you?"
Draven blinked at me, clearly taken aback. He had probably expected me to demand my own space, to insist on avoiding him as much as possible. Instead, I had given him the opposite.
To my satisfaction, he looked relieved.
"I'm glad you don't have a problem with staying here," he admitted, giving a small nod. "That will make things easier."
I smirked slightly. "Good. Then we have an understanding."
Draven stepped further into the house, gesturing for me to follow. "I'll show you to your room," he said. "It's upstairs."
I followed him reluctantly, still unsettled by the sheer brightness of the place. Every step I took felt unnatural, like I was walking through a realm I had no business being in.
The house was just too bright, too orderly—too human, and I hated it.
The moment Draven pushed open the door to my room, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.
Finally, a room that didn't make me feel like I had stepped into the world of the angels.
Unlike the rest of the house, which looked like a temple of light and purity, this room was more… comfortable. Dark walls, deep-colored furniture, and just the right amount of lighting to keep it from feeling suffocating.
I smiled despite myself, stepping into the room and looking around with appreciation. This was something I could tolerate.
Draven leaned against the doorframe, watching me with that ever-calm expression of his. "I figured you wouldn't like your room being too bright," he said casually. "Since you just came from the underworld, I had this one specially prepared for you."
I turned to him, smirking slightly. "You did good," I admitted, glancing back at the dark tones that made me feel just a little less out of place. Then I shot him a pointed look. "If you had prepared a paradise-looking room for me, I would have cursed you out."
Draven chuckled, the corners of his lips twitching in amusement. "I had a feeling."
I walked further into the room, running my fingers along the furniture, testing the softness of the bed, and opening the closet to see what was inside. It was mostly empty, save for a few neutral-colored outfits that were clearly not mine. I frowned slightly but let it go for now.
Draven, as if sensing I was done inspecting the room, straightened and folded his arms. "Since it's already late, Lady Astraea, I suggest you get some rest," he said in that formal tone of his. "Tomorrow, I'll arrange for a few designers to bring you new clothes so you'll have appropriate attire to wear."
I paused mid-step, turning to face him with a frown. "What's wrong with my clothes?"
Draven's expression barely changed, but I caught the slight shift in his eyes—the faintest look of disapproval that he tried to mask. "No offense, Your Highness, but your current clothing is a little… unfit for the human world."
I glanced down at myself, my frown deepening. I was wearing my usual dark attire—fitted black pants, boots, and a sleeveless tunic made from fine, durable fabric with beautiful embroidery. It was the kind of clothing suited for someone of my status in the underworld—practical yet elegant.
I crossed my arms, my voice dry. "And what exactly about my clothing is unfit?"
Draven sighed as if preparing himself for a conversation he didn't want to have. "Humans dress differently, Lady Astraea. If you want to blend in, you'll need to get used to wearing their styles."
I narrowed my eyes at him, suspicion creeping in. "And what exactly do humans wear?"
Draven's lips twitched, but he kept his expression neutral. "You'll see tomorrow."
That did nothing to ease my irritation. I had no interest in dressing like a human. The idea of parading around in their flimsy, uninspired clothing made me want to gag.
I huffed, deciding that this was an argument for another time. Right now, I just wanted to rest.
"Fine," I muttered, waving him off. "Do whatever you want."
Draven gave a small nod, looking mildly satisfied. "Good. Then I'll leave you to settle in. If you need anything, I'll be downstairs."
I didn't bother responding as he stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him.
With a tired sigh, I flopped on the bed, staring up at the dark ceiling.
This world was strange, and I hated how unfamiliar everything felt, but at least, for the time being, I could breathe without having to worry about the horrors of tomorrow.