The midday sun bathed the Terrace Estate in a warm glow as the sound of hurried footsteps echoed across the stone courtyard. Seth, now the second son of Lord Terrace, was sprinting from the main building, his silver hair gleaming in the light. Behind him, Laurel, the youngest and only daughter of Lord Terrace, chased after him with an equally excited expression.
"They're here! They're back!" Seth exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement as he ran toward the approaching carriage.
"Wait for me, Seth!" Laurel called, her smaller legs struggling to keep up.
Trailing behind the two children was Lady Raela, the youngest sibling of Lord Terrace. She watched them with an affectionate smile, her sharp senses having been the first to detect the arrival of the carriage.
