The Delevon Estate
The morning sky was painted in soft shades of gold and pale blue as a convoy of three black luxury SUVs traveled along the winding countryside road.
Inside the leading vehicle, Clara sat beside Arthur, examining the small brass key she had received from Elias Hart.
The key was old, its surface tarnished with age. A tiny emblem had been engraved near its handle—a roaring lion surrounded by a circle of stars.
Clara ran her thumb over the engraving.
"Do you recognize this symbol?" Arthur asked.
She shook her head.
"Not exactly. But I've seen it before."
"Where?"
"In my father's study. There was an old wooden box bearing the same emblem. I remember asking him about it when I was little."
"What did he tell you?"
Clara smiled faintly.
"He said it was the symbol of the Delevon family's first generation. Apparently, my ancestors used it to mark their most important possessions."
Arthur glanced at the key.
