The car purred steadily as rolled along the winding road, cutting through a forest that seemed untouched by time. Ancient oaks loomed over, their twisted branches clawing at the grey sky. The air grew colder the deeper they drove, and a shiver prickled down Luna's spine-not entirely from the chill.
When the wrought-iron gates finally appeared, they rose like blackened fangs from the earth. They swung open with a slow ,groaning creak, revealing the mansion beyond. The structure was immense, its high gables and sharp angles silhouetted against the fading light. Stone gargoyles crouched at the corners, their hallow eyes fixed on the driveway below. Even from a distance, Luna could feel the weight of the place, as thought it had been built not just to house people, but to intimidate them.
The driver stopped before the grand entrance. The double doors, framed by towering columns, opened before she could reach them. Kenji stood there, his presence commanding and unyielding. His dark eyes swept over her with calculating coldness.
"You're late," he said simply, before turning on his heel. "Follow me."