Alternate Reality

As Alessia climbed the marble steps to the imposing doors of White Birch Manor, her heart pounding a staccato rhythm against her ribs, they swung open silently. A distinguished man in his late fifties, impeccably dressed in a crisp black suit, greeted her with a slight bow.

"Good evening, Dr. Russo," he said, his English tinged with a faint Russian accent. "Welcome to White Birch Manor. I am Dmitri, the head of household. Please, follow me."

Still reeling from the grandeur of her surroundings, Alessia could only nod mutely. She followed Dmitri into the mansion, her head swiveling to take everything in. The interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior – high ceilings adorned with intricate moldings, gleaming hardwood floors partially covered by plush Oriental rugs, and walls lined with what appeared to be priceless artwork.

Dmitri led her up a sweeping staircase and down a long hallway, finally stopping before a set of double doors. "Your room, Dr. Russo," he said, opening the door