If the garish exterior of Gregor's palace had thrown Niels' preconceptions, the interior only reaffirmed them. Once inside, Niels could see nothing in the house beyond white walls and a single overhead light in each room. The few windows in existence were so high up from the floor that they reminded Niels of a cathedral ... or a prison. There was no artwork, no photographs, no sign of a woman, pet, plant, or any possible sign of life.

"You're not one for decorating, are you?" said Niels, turning to Gregor with a smile designed to communicate friendliness.

"I like simplicity," Gregor said. "I don't really like ... things." The word lingered in the air between them.

"Except for an enormous house," Niels smirked.