The driveway was long, flanked with trimmed hedges and stone statues, but not a single soul was in sight. No patrols. No house staff. No sensors blinking. It was as if the house itself was holding its breath.
But they didn't hesitate.
They moved like shadows, their boots soft against the stone path as they advanced toward the grand entrance. Despite the calm silence around them, they didn't let their guard down.
Not long after the three Circle members arrived at the massive front entrance—an elegant double door crafted from dark mahogany with silver etchings that gleamed in the fading light—they reached out, ready to test the handle, perhaps force their way in.
But before they could touch it, the doors creaked open on their own.
And there he was.
Raymond.
