The journey back to the Steele Mansion was uneventful, the carriage rolling smoothly over the cobblestone paths that wound through the lush countryside. Alaric sat beside his mother, Lyra, their shoulders occasionally brushing as the carriage swayed gently. The air was filled with the faint scent of Lyra's perfume, a mix of lavender and rose that was both comforting and intoxicating.
As they approached the grand entrance of the Steele Mansion, the carriage came to a halt. The door swung open, revealing Kara, Alaric's personal maid, standing at the entrance. Her dark hair was neatly pulled back into a bun, and her maid outfit hugged her curves in all the right places. She curtsied gracefully as Lyra and Alaric stepped out of the carriage.
"Welcome back, Master Alaric, Lady Lyra," Kara said, her voice soft and melodic.
Lyra nodded acknowledgment, her eyes scanning the entrance of the mansion. "Thank you, Kara. It's good to be home."
