Chapter 16: Shock and Awe

Anna and Ethan walked on, meandering through the underground mansion's many rooms and hallways. Ethan had shown her several different rooms, each extravagant yet tasteful, with quality furnishings and finishes showcasing a minimalistic and contemporary styling.

"You'll love this room," Ethan said with a smile as the door slid open. Like many main entrances to the larger rooms, it slid quietly open and disappeared into the wall as they approached.

Inside was a vast living room, but it wasn't furnished just for humans. Instead, huge, oversized dog beds and cat trees were everywhere, and the walls were a playground of steps, landings, and hanging baskets where a tabby cat lounged, looking disinterestedly at the new intruders in the room. Around the outside were box-like enclosures.

"Oh, my goodness!" exclaimed Anna as a large German Shepherd approached her, tail wagging.

"This is Teddy," said Ethan. "And this is why I didn't introduce you before. He was waiting in this room to surprise yo