Two days passed, Ignacio's birthday party finally arrived...
Luzia arrived at the Duke Castillo's estate with Elena and Stephan, stepping down from the carriage onto the cobbled stone path. The grand castle loomed ahead, its tall spires casting long shadows as servants rushed to greet them.
When they reached the entrance, the young Lord Ignacio, barely fourteen, came running up to meet them. He was dressed in an elaborate hunting jacket, his youthful face adorned with pride. Behind him stood Duke Alejandro de Castillo, a tall man with the air of a man used to commanding attention, and his wife, Duchess Isabella, who wore a smile that was kind yet distant.
"Lady Luzia, welcome," Ignacio said with a bright, eager grin, his eyes gleaming as if this was the most important moment of his day.