"Let's go." Luther took Joshua's hand, speaking softly.
Joshua nodded without saying much.
Outside the mansion stretched a vast garden, encircled by blooming roses, each blossom releasing a rich, fragrant scent.
A breeze swept past, and the mansion felt almost impossibly quiet.
Just then, an older woman dressed in a tailcoat-style suit stepped out from within. When she saw Luther and Joshua, she seemed a little surprised.
She quickly approached and spoke in a gentle voice, "Miss, you returned without sending word. Madam has been waiting for you."
Then she glanced at Joshua, smiling. "And this is...?"
Luther didn't let Joshua speak. She simply answered, brisk and concise, "A friend of mine. Lead the way."
Hearing this, the woman fell silent, turned around, and guided them inside.
Joshua remained quiet the whole way, only holding Luther's hand tightly.
As if worried he might be nervous, Luther tapped lightly against his hand with his pinky.
They entered the mansion.
