Outside, the evening breeze swept across the estate, carrying away the day's lingering warmth as the air gradually turned cool.
Twilight settled over the mansion.
One by one, the automatic lights flickered to life, illuminating the pathways, gardens, and stone walls surrounding the estate.
What had once felt like a quiet and imposing land slowly transformed into a warmly soothing place. Golden light spilled from the windows, the trees, and the grounds, chasing away the darkness creeping in from the forest beyond.
Above, flocks of birds crossed the darkening sky in neat V-shaped formations, returning to their nests before night fully descended.
Their distant calls gradually faded, replaced by the steady chorus of crickets and other night insects hidden among the trees.
From such came another sound, a long, powerful howl echoes across the mountains. Another answered from farther away.
The voices of the wolves rippled through the forest like an ancient song welcoming the night.
