The Steele family mansion stood as an unyielding testament to wealth and power, its massive stone façade gleaming in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. Sculpted from the finest marble, the mansion was adorned with intricate carvings and statues that lined the perimeter like silent sentinels. A sprawling garden, meticulously landscaped with vibrant flowers and towering hedges, stretched out as far as the eye could see. The carriage bearing Iridelle Khysarel rolled to a halt on the gravel drive, the sound of crunching stones breaking the tranquil stillness of the estate.
Iridelle stepped out carefully, her simple traveling dress fluttering in the light breeze. Her breath caught as she took in the sheer magnificence of the scene before her. The mansion's numerous windows reflected the sunlight like a thousand tiny stars, and the grand entrance—two towering oak doors banded with gold—loomed ahead, exuding an aura of authority.
