Before I could reach for the handle of my door, he was already out, circling to my side to open the door for me, like a gentleman. A rush of cool air brushed against my skin when I stepped out, wrapping my coat tighter around me, relishing on the scent of fresh pine filling my lungs.
The world here was quiet. No city hum, no smoke, no dangerous lurking in the darkness. Just stillness and peace.
Moonlight spilled across the front steps, glinting off the half-finished stone. The mansion rose before me, regal yet raw, like something alive was still in the midst of becoming. Scaffolding clung to one wing, and a few abandoned tools lay scattered near the bast. Remnants of a day's labor left unfinished.
"I gave them a few days off," he said softly from beside me. "Since we're here celebrating."
I nodded, letting him lead me up the steps.
