The estate was silent now. The chaos of discovery and revelation had been replaced by a quiet tension, the calm before the final storm. Carson and Justina stood at the edge of the main hall, the fading sunlight casting shadows across the polished floors. The shadows no longer threatened. They seemed to bow before them.

Justina’s hand brushed against Carson’s as they walked side by side. “Every step we take here,” she said softly, “it feels like we are taking ownership, not just of ...