The backyard of the Crimson Estate stretched wide under the cracked sky.
Oaks and towering pines bordered the grounds, their branches swaying gently in the wind, casting long shadows over the perfectly manicured lawn.
The grass was a deep, rich green, untouched by wild overgrowth. In the center stood a marble fountain, water flowing in smooth arcs, the steady sound adding a sense of calm.
Rows of crimson roses lined the edges of the garden.
And standing there in the same backyard were three people—Lumine, Yelena, and Mira.
Lumine and Yelena wore crimson military uniforms, surprisingly similar to Mira's.
The only difference was that they didn't have the black furred coat draped over their shoulders.
Both stood with their backs straight, clearly nervous in the presence of a grandmaster.
Lumine glanced at the grass, noticing how the blades seemed to lean toward Mira, as if drawn by her mere presence.