The House of Ash and Guilt
Just then, a commotion erupted at the front gate—followed by the butler's frantic, stumbling announcement.
A lavish carriage had pulled up to the door, its polished walnut body inlaid with mother-of-pearl and gemstones that glittered in the lantern light. The curtain was pushed aside by a well-manicured hand, a gold signet ring gleaming on the finger. A young man stepped out, assisted by two servants, dressed in embroidered gold brocade and wearing a jeweled circlet.