The evening sky glowed a soft orange, casting long shadows over the mansion's front gate, a towering wrought-iron structure flanked by stone pillars, their surfaces etched with wolf motifs. Beyond the gate, the mansion loomed, its tall towers piercing the dusk, their slate roofs glinting faintly. Ancient oaks and maples lined the tiled path leading to the entrance, with tall trees their branches heavy with autumn leaves, some drifting down in lazy spirals, crunching underfoot. A large fountain stood just inside the gate, its marble basin carved with leaping wolves, water bubbling gently, reflecting the fading light.
Casey walked along the tiled path, her boots scuffing softly, her apron still dusted with herbs, her arm linked with Lily's, with messy braids and a gap-toothed grin, clutching Casey's hand. They were headed to their small cottage beyond the village, their steps slow, their voices mingling in quiet chatter.
