The carriage wheels crunched against the gravel, signaling their arrival at Ravenwood. The once-proud Laurents, now humbled and dispossessed, huddled together in the cramped confines of their transport. The journey had been a stark contrast to their previous travels, filled with lavish carriages and attentive servants. Now, they were mere passengers, their fate dictated by the man who had stripped them of their wealth and status.
The carriage shuddered to a halt, and the door creaked open. Sebastian, his imposing figure silhouetted against the setting sun, stood before them, his crimson eyes piercing the twilight gloom. "Out," he commanded, his voice a low rumble that brooked no argument.