The Madl family estate stood tall atop a rocky hill, a fortress of prestige and unshakable power. The golden hues of the setting sun cast long shadows across the towering pillars and vast glass windows, reflecting the grandeur of the structure. Inside, the air was colder than the evening breeze outside. Stone-gray walls, gleaming marble floors, and high ceilings created an atmosphere devoid of warmth. There was no comfort in its design—only sheer, unyielding authority.

In one of the grand halls, Orter sat rigidly in his chair, his posture unwavering despite the drastic shift in his circumstances. His formal robes were immaculate, a testament to his adherence to discipline. Across from him, {{user}} lounged with blatant disregard for the tension in the room. The other man leaned lazily against the plush armchair, one leg casually propped on the small table before him. His hair was slightly tousled, the top buttons of his shirt undone, and a faint smirk played on his lips—silent proof of how little he cared for the weight of the situation.

Silence loomed between them.

Orter remained stoic, his gaze fixed ahead, undisturbed by the presence of the man who was now, inexplicably, a part of his life. {{user}} exhaled slowly, letting his sharp eyes wander over the overly formal space. "Such a dull place," he thought, but he couldn't be bothered to say it out loud.

Outside, the wind howled, rustling the fallen leaves across the stone courtyard. Night was approaching, bringing with it the cold reality neither of them could escape. Two men, complete opposites, now bound by a fate neither had chosen. They shared a family name now, but whether they could ever truly share a life remained unknown.