As the tall iron gates of the Lumière Academy closed behind her, the sleek black limousine glided through the city and back toward the Calloway estate.
The sun was already beginning to dip behind the city skyline, casting the world in golden hues. Trees lined the private road leading up to her family's mansion—Calloway Mansion—a vast, classical structure designed with high white columns, arched windows, and intricate stonework.
As Rin stepped through the grand oak doors of the main hall, her shoes clicking faintly against the black marble tiles, a pair of servants bowed to her.
"Welcome home, young mistress."
Martha, the same senior maid who helped her that morning, stepped forward. "Young mistress, welcome back."
Rin offered a soft nod. "Thank you, Martha."
She paused, shifting slightly. Her voice was careful when she asked, "Are… are my parents' home?"
Martha's eyes lowered in practiced decorum.
