The carriage wheels slowed to a stop, and the four of them stepped down one by one. Before them stood a grand establishment, its lantern-lit sign glowing softly against the evening sky.
The Whispering Orchard — the golden letters gleamed elegantly, as though the very name promised warmth and luxury within.
Ron, Lia, Selene, and Jax all paused for a moment, their faces lighting up at the sight.
"Wow…" Ron muttered under his breath, his amber eyes reflecting the glow of the sign.
Together, they pushed open the carved wooden doors and entered.
The soft fragrance of herbs and roasted spices filled the air, mingling with the quiet hum of chatter and the delicate notes of a string ensemble playing somewhere deeper inside. Almost immediately, a butler in a crisp black uniform approached, bowing slightly.
"Welcome, honored guests." His voice was polite yet carried a refined weight.
Selene stepped forward gracefully. "There is a booking for four. The name is Selene Raynhart."
