Neon's mouth gaped at the massive house in front of him. It wasn't as big as the palaces he had seen in books and magazines, but it was still enormous compared to the house they used to live in back in the countryside. Standing before it, he felt incredibly small—like a tiny ant that could be crushed under someone's foot.
Then, a sense of unease washed over him. He had no idea why he had been brought to this place, and he didn't even know who owned it. Remembering how much he had suffered in secret at the last house, Neon trembled in fear. He didn't want to live in someone else's home ever again!
"This will be your home for the time being while your sister recuperates in the hospital," Eli said gently. "She said she'll come and get you once she's discharged."
"No!" Neon took two steps back, shrinking behind Eli. "I don't want to. Eli, I don't want to live in other people's houses. I want to stay with my sister."
