The carriage completed its descent smoothly, the wheels slowing until, finally, the movement ceased completely before the imposing castle gates. The sound of the horses also fell silent, replaced by a heavy silence, not empty, but laden with presence. Victor did not move immediately. He stood there for a second, looking out the window, now much closer to the colossal structure he had previously observed from a distance.
"...Right, this is bigger than it seemed," he murmured, almost resigned.
Up close, the castle was not just large—it was absurd. The walls rose as if they were infinite, the towers seemed to touch the night sky, and the mountain behind it gave the impression that this place had come from a tale too exaggerated to be real.
The carriage door opened slowly with a soft sound.
Outside, the butler was already in position, impeccable posture, controlled expression, as if he had been there for hours waiting for the exact moment. He gave a slight bow, keeping the door open.
