67 Null and Babel 1

A streak of crimson tore through the twilight sky, slowing as it neared the imposing silhouette of the Rutherford mansion. The red faded, revealing a woman clad in sleek crimson armor – Princess Eliana. She landed gracefully on the manicured lawn, her boots barely disturbing a blade of grass.

A bald man with kind brown eyes stood waiting, surprise etched on his face. "We didn't expect your visit, Princess Eliana," he said, his voice a low rumble.

"I was in the area, so…" Eliana trailed off, her usual confident demeanor dimmed.

The man, Conor Rutherford, smiled warmly. "My father's been expecting you."

Eliana nodded, a flicker of worry crossing her features. Conor led the way through the dimly lit mansion, the silence broken only by the soft tap of their footsteps on the polished marble floors. They reached a large oak door, and Conor gestured for her to open it.