As he fell, time seemed to warp, stretching moments into eternity. Flashes of his life cascaded before his eyes, a rapid succession of images and emotions. He saw his mother's face, etched with both love and worry, a beacon in his often lonely childhood. With every passing second, as he descended towards the unknown, a sense of liberation began to bloom within him, something finally awakened. A shiver ran through his body, and reality seemed to dissolve. Ezra opened his eyes, expecting to see the ground approaching. But what he saw was something else. He was floating, suspended in a space where time and matter lost their meaning. Bright colors and twinkling lights surrounded him, forming a surreal tableau.

Ezra had succeeded. Against all odds, his desperate act had led him through the threshold, into this fascinating world that had been promised to him. He floated in this mysterious space, feeling both terrified and exhilarated.

This time, without the immediate danger that had clouded his first accidental visit, he took a moment to truly feel the uniqueness of this world. He felt enveloped by this unknown, almost tangible energy. Around him, vibrant colors danced in the air, forming unfamiliar patterns. He could feel the special energy of this world, pulsing in the air, in the earth, everywhere around him.

His feet finally touched solid ground, but it was not the ground he knew. It was something softer, almost alive, as if the earth itself was breathing and undulating under his steps. Looking up, he saw before him a vast dwelling, majestic and imposing, as if sculpted from light and shadow.

As he approached, a guard suddenly appeared, as if out of nowhere. He was tall, dressed in armor, shimmering under the strange light of this world.

– Identify yourself, the guard asked in a cold voice.

Ezra explained who he was, mentioning his mentor, Mrs. Seleth. The guard remained stoic, then gestured for him to wait. Shortly after, a butler arrived, his expression betraying slight irritation.

– You took your time, young man. And this outfit is entirely inappropriate for such a noble place, he remarked, scrutinizing Ezra from head to toe.

Ezra learned that he was in the residence of what the butler called the 'Grand Master,' the leader of our kind of this world. The butler, with an elegant gesture of his hand, invited him to follow inside.

The dwelling was breathtaking. The walls seemed to be made of a translucent material, reflecting changing colors. Sculptures floated in the air, defying gravity. Each room they passed through was more impressive than the last, with furniture that seemed alive, sometimes subtly changing before Ezra's eyes.

The butler, with confident steps, guided him through a maze of corridors and rooms.

Finally, they arrived at a carved door adorned with mysterious symbols. The butler opened the door, revealing a spacious room with soothing colors, elegantly furnished. A large bed was placed in the center.

The butler turned to Ezra and said:

– This is your room, make yourself comfortable and ensure it remains tidy at all times.

He left Ezra to enter, who almost threw himself on the bed but restrained himself.

The butler cleared his throat to catch Ezra's attention.

– I prefer to warn you of the rules to be respected here: first, you must always wear appropriate attire in the presence of the Grand Master and at dinners. Second, it is forbidden to leave the residence without permission. Third, certain wings of the dwelling are strictly private and must not be explored. Finally, always respect the other residents and the staff.

After issuing these instructions, the butler added in a softer voice: 

– If you need anything, do not hesitate to ring. A staff member will come to assist you. Since you're late, you don't have much time, dinner is scheduled soon. Please don't be late.

With a final nod, the butler withdrew, leaving Ezra alone in the room.

Ezra paused for a moment at the threshold of his new chamber, taking in the surroundings that where he was going to live for a while. The room was a blend of understated elegance and a warmth that was unexpected, yet welcoming. 

His attention was drawn to the wardrobe, its doors slightly ajar. Approaching it, he felt a mixture of curiosity and reverence. The wardrobe was filled with garments far more luxurious than anything he had ever owned. Each piece seemed to have been chosen with care, reflecting a status and lifestyle that felt alien to him. 

Ezra tentatively selected an outfit, a choice that felt both elegant and somehow appropriate for his new environment. The shirt was of a silky material that felt like liquid coolness against his skin, and the trousers fitted him perfectly, as if they had been tailored for him. Dressed in these fine clothes, he felt a little too noble for his taste, but he couldn't help but think of how Thea would have found him in this outfit.

Once dressed, Ezra found himself drawn towards the window. The garden, bathed in the soft glow of twilight, presented a view that was breathtaking. The flowers and shrubs were arrayed in harmonious patterns, their colors more vivid in the fading light. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant sound of water from a fountain added to the serene atmosphere. It was a scene of peaceful beauty, a stark contrast to the humble and chaotic world he had known.

Ezra leaned against the window sill, taking a deep breath as he absorbed the sight. It was a moment of quiet reflection, he had so many questions about this world, simple as, in such a fascinating world, who could be the gardener?

Realizing the time, Ezra straightened up from his contemplative stance. The evening was advancing, and it was time to make his way to the grand hall for dinner. He turned away from the window, the serene garden scene etching itself into his memory, and exited the room.

As he walked through the silent corridors of the house, the ambiance shifted from the tranquility of his room to a more somber atmosphere. The hallways were lit by lamps that seemed to float in the air, their soft light guiding his steps. Ezra noticed the furtive glances of a few domestics who, upon spotting him, discreetly withdrew into the shadows or slipped into adjoining rooms. Their curiosity was palpable, yet they maintained a respectful distance.

In the grand hall at the base of the staircase, the butler awaited Ezra, his hand resting on the handle of the double doors. He scrutinized Ezra from head to toe. Feeling uncomfortable, Ezra tried to adjust his shirt and tucked it into his trousers.

– It’s an improvement from when you arrived, the butler admitted.

He then opened the doors, and Ezra stepped into the living room, his footsteps muffled by the rich carpet beneath his feet. He observed the walls, draped with velvet curtains embroidered with patterns that seemed to subtly move, as if alive. Ancient paintings came to life under his gaze, their scenes gently animating.

The butler followed him, gesturing towards the dining room. He caressed the velvet of the sofas, passed by a fireplace with flickering flames, and entered the dining room.

Ezra stopped abruptly, captivated by the imposing figure of what he presumed to be the Grand Master. The man had deep black eyes, framed by bushy eyebrows, beneath which shone a bright, penetrating light. His black hair was slicked back, highlighting the strong structure of his face. He wore an elegant suit, exuding both nobility and a business-like aura. His broad, powerful hands rested firmly on the table. On one of his fingers, a signet ring caught Ezra's attention. It was eerily similar to one inherited from his father, engraved with symbols that seemed to dance under the dim light of the room. The Grand Master's aura radiated a natural authority, mixed with a mystery that enveloped him like a veil.

– Good evening, Ezra, he said in a deep, authoritative voice. Please, take a seat.

The man's face, though not hostile, offered no warmth. His deep, probing black eyes held such an intense gaze that Ezra felt as if his innermost thoughts were being unearthed. Ezra followed his gaze to an empty chair at the other end of the table. The place setting there was meticulously arranged. He sat down, forcing a smile, but no words escaped his lips; he was paralyzed.

The arrival of the servers broke the tense atmosphere. They entered the room through a discreet door, invisibly connected to the kitchen.

– Good evening, sir, the headwaiter said, rushing towards him with a ballet of plates in his arms.

Placing the dish with choreographed precision, he announced:

– Chicken breast en papillote with asparagus in a frothy tarragon and lemongrass sauce, a harmony of flavors to delight your senses.

Ezra glanced down at the dish, a culinary masterpiece. Aromatic vapors rose, forming a fragrant cloud. He had never eaten anything like this; his mother was not a good cook, and he had never been able to afford a fancy restaurant.

He took his fork and began to eat.

– If I invited you tonight, Ezra, it’s to discuss you and your future, the voice became more serious.

Ezra straightened in his chair and nodded in agreement.

– First of all, continued the Grand Master, if I agreed to have you here, it’s only because I trust Mrs. Seleth. She is convinced you possess our gift, and perhaps more.

He paused briefly to organize his thoughts.

– If Mrs. Seleth is right about you, and if you are committed to your decision, he continued, you will have the opportunity to fight alongside your kin. Now, more than ever, unfortunately. Because that’s why you are here, you know?”

Ezra nodded. But deep down, he wasn’t exactly sure why. Mrs. Seleth had briefly mentioned a tyrant, an urgency.

– To be honest, I haven’t quite grasped who rules this world and our place in it.

Elmer White, crossed his hands, slightly annoyed with what he was about to say,

– This world is ruled with an iron fist by a people far more powerful and advanced than us, but make no mistake, our goal is not to dethrone them, even with all the will in the world, that would be impossible.

Questions swirled in Ezra’s head.

– What is it then? he asked.

– Years ago, we held a higher rank in the hierarchy, however…

He paused briefly and then continued in a heavier voice,

– An incident caused our downfall, and today the situation is critical, the lower we are, the more difficult life here becomes, do you understand?

– What can we do? How can we regain our place? How does he manage to…

Elmer White stopped the avalanche of questions with a gesture. Ezra was clearly curious and intelligent.

– It’s too early to explain everything, it would take too long, and you will learn much more by exploring this world with Mrs. Seleth, but know that here everything is resolved by strength and power, that’s why you must quickly catch up otherwise –

Abruptly, the tranquility of the dinner was shattered as the door flew open with a dramatic flourish. Mrs. Seleth burst into the room, her entrance a whirlwind that instantly transformed the room's atmosphere. Her eyes were alight with a mix of astonishment and excitement, a stark contrast to the Grand Master's immediate frown of annoyance at this unexpected intrusion.

– Don’t be so grumpy, she chided the Grand Master with a surprising familiarity.

Then, turning her attention to Ezra, her expression took on a more serious tone. 

– And you, young man! We are going to need a long discussion about taking risks, she declared. 

Her words held a weight that immediately made Ezra gulp in apprehension. He didn't even know how she knew about his perilous act, which made the woman even scarier.

However, Mrs. Seleth’s stern demeanor softened as she observed Ezra's reaction. A gentle smile replaced her stern look, and her eyes softened with evident pride. 

– But I must admit, I am proud of you” she confessed, her tone now warm and reassuring. You've shown a courage and a determination that few possess.

Ezra, relieved and yet still somewhat bewildered by her sudden change in demeanor, managed a small, grateful smile. 

She pulled up a chair and sat down, her presence infusing the room with a newfound, more relaxed energy. The Grand Master let out a resigned sigh, his demeanor shifting in response to Mrs. Seleth’s irrepressible spirit. 

– Well, since you’re here, Mrs. Seleth, let’s conclude this meeting, he conceded.

At his words, the butlers, quick to adapt to the altered course of the evening, sprang into action. They deftly began clearing the table of the barely touched dishes, with a fluidity that spoke of long practice in responding to sudden changes. Ezra could only watch in silent amazement as his half-eaten bite of chicken was swept away in the bustle, a small casualty in the wake of Mrs. Seleth's dynamic entry.

Mrs. Seleth smiled, amused by the situation, while Ezra watched, surprised by the abrupt change.

The Grand Master then adopted a serious tone. 

– Ezra, you are behind compared to children your age. Normally, education is the responsibility of the parents, and Mrs. Seleth taking charge of you is exceptional. To be clear, a mistake on your part would mean death for both of you, with no one able to do anything about it.

These words cast a chill in the room, but Mrs. Seleth, who listened attentively, did not seem perturbed, her gaze on Ezra was filled with confidence and determination. 

– Every morning, I will come to pick you up at 8 o'clock. Be ready, Ezra, she said, breaking the ice.

Once the meeting was over, Mrs. Seleth and Ezra were left alone. The woman stood up, ready to leave the room.

– It's a tough world, Ezra, but I'm here to guide you. We'll start tomorrow. Rest well tonight, she advised.

Ezra, though tired, couldn't help but ask the question that had been tormenting him since their meeting.

– Why are you doing this for me? he asked, his voice a sincere mix of curiosity and concern.

Mrs. Seleth stopped, turning slowly towards him. An enigmatic smile lit up her face.

– Some paths are drawn by invisible hands, Ezra. And sometimes, we are simply called to follow them.

She gave him one last look filled with wisdom and kindness, then disappeared into the darkness of the corridor, leaving Ezra alone with his thoughts and the vast challenge that awaited him.