Miles away, the atmosphere at the grand main estate of House Benson was different.
The sky was gray and overcast in this part of the city. A black travel carriage rolled smoothly up the long, expansive gravel driveway leading to the main mansion. The carriage was pulled by four large, strong black horses. The iron-rimmed wooden wheels crushed the small stones beneath them with a loud, continuous crunching sound that echoed sharply through the quiet, tense air.
The carriage ground to a halt right in front of the grand stone steps. These wide steps led up to the towering double entrance doors of the Benson building.
Inside the main foyer of the mansion, the household staff was already moving, doing their work. A sharp, loud knock echoed against the wood of the front door, making several maids jump in surprise.
