As they strolled through the expansive estate grounds, the atmosphere remained relaxed. The stone paths were lined with blooming sunroses and whispering windbells, and gentle laughter occasionally echoed from the group as Ivan excitedly pointed out various features of the land.
But then, without warning, a radiant flash burst forth from one of the wings of the estate, the research wing. The sky above it shimmered gold and violet, the light so blinding and otherworldly that it seemed to ripple through the air itself.
Sienna-Rose stopped walking. Her breath caught. Her heart stuttered. And then, her legs simply gave out from under her. She didn't collapse, but she clutched the nearest marble railing as if it were the only thing anchoring her to the earth.
"Oh," was all she managed to whisper, a breathless, stunned sound escaping her parted lips.
