The next day began on a bright note. Dawn's first rays filtered through the grand windows of House Valemont, golden light spilling across polished marble floors and velvet drapes. By the hour of nine, everything was in order, the household already alive with movement.
Lyold, surprised Xavier, as he turned out to be the ever-efficient butler as he moved briskly through the halls, issuing commands to the servants. His deep voice carried authority as he supervised the loading of offerings onto the carriages — sacks of confiscated grain, sealed crates of wine, and silken bags of coin meant for the Church of the Moon.
"Ensure everything is accounted for," Seraphina instructed him with her usual calm but sharp tone, standing near the entrance in her flowing silver dress, the faint embroidery of moon sigils glinting under the light. "While I am away, you'll handle all matters of the estate. If anything occurs, delay it until I return. I expect nothing less than perfection."
