/* ==========================================================================
   D.W. JONAH — STYLES
   Dark cinematic space-opera. Syne display + Newsreader body.
   Brand colors: ember sunset + signal cyan against deep void-black.
   The eclipse mark holds both — sunset on the bottom rim, cyan on the top.
   ========================================================================== */

:root {
  --void:        #06080d;
  --void-2:      #0b0f17;
  --void-3:      #11161f;
  --hull:        #1a2029;
  --ice:         #e8ecf1;
  --ice-dim:     #a7b0bd;
  --ice-ghost:   #5f6877;

  /* Brand: warm half (Solara) */
  --ember:       #ff6a1f;
  --ember-hot:   #ffb347;
  --ember-glow:  rgba(255, 106, 31, 0.35);

  /* Brand: cool half (Luna) — equal weight with ember */
  --signal:      #7fd4ff;
  --signal-hot:  #b8e7ff;
  --signal-glow: rgba(127, 212, 255, 0.35);

  --display:     'Syne', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;
  --body:        'Newsreader', Georgia, serif;

  --max:         1280px;
  --gutter:      clamp(1.25rem, 4vw, 3rem);

  --ease:        cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1);
}

* { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }

html {
  scroll-behavior: smooth;
  overflow-x: hidden;
  max-width: 100vw;
}

body {
  background: var(--void);
  color: var(--ice);
  font-family: var(--body);
  font-weight: 300;
  font-size: 18px;
  line-height: 1.65;
  overflow-x: hidden;
  max-width: 100vw;
  position: relative;
  min-height: 100vh;
  touch-action: pan-y;
  overscroll-behavior-x: none;
}

img { max-width: 100%; display: block; }
a   { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; }

::selection {
  background: rgba(255, 106, 31, 0.72);
  color: var(--void);
}
::-moz-selection {
  background: rgba(255, 106, 31, 0.72);
  color: var(--void);
}

/* ---------- BACKGROUND ATMOSPHERE ---------- */
.bg-stars {
  position: fixed; inset: 0;
  background:
    radial-gradient(1px 1px at 23% 17%, #fff, transparent 50%),
    radial-gradient(1px 1px at 67% 42%, #fff, transparent 50%),
    radial-gradient(1px 1px at 11% 78%, #fff, transparent 50%),
    radial-gradient(1px 1px at 89% 23%, #fff, transparent 50%),
    radial-gradient(1px 1px at 44% 91%, #fff, transparent 50%),
    radial-gradient(1px 1px at 78% 66%, #fff, transparent 50%),
    radial-gradient(2px 2px at 34% 54%, rgba(255,255,255,.6), transparent 50%),
    radial-gradient(1px 1px at 55% 12%, rgba(255,255,255,.8), transparent 50%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse at 30% 20%, rgba(127,212,255,.08), transparent 60%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse at 75% 80%, rgba(255,106,31,.06), transparent 60%);
  background-size: 600px 600px, 500px 500px, 700px 700px, 550px 550px, 480px 480px, 620px 620px, 800px 800px, 400px 400px, 100% 100%, 100% 100%;
  z-index: -2;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.bg-grain {
  position: fixed; inset: 0;
  background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='200' height='200'><filter id='n'><feTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='0.9' numOctaves='2'/><feColorMatrix values='0 0 0 0 1  0 0 0 0 1  0 0 0 0 1  0 0 0 0.08 0'/></filter><rect width='100%25' height='100%25' filter='url(%23n)'/></svg>");
  opacity: .5;
  z-index: -1;
  pointer-events: none;
  mix-blend-mode: overlay;
}

/* ---------- NAV ---------- */
.nav {
  position: fixed; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;
  padding: 1.25rem var(--gutter);
  z-index: 100;
  backdrop-filter: blur(14px) saturate(120%);
  background: rgba(6,8,13,.55);
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.05);
  transition: background .3s var(--ease);
}
.nav__brand {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  letter-spacing: .15em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice);
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: .8rem;
}
.nav__mark {
  width: 26px;
  height: 26px;
  filter:
    drop-shadow(0 -1px 4px rgba(127, 212, 255, 0.4))
    drop-shadow(0 1px 4px rgba(255, 106, 31, 0.4));
  transition: transform .8s var(--ease), filter .5s var(--ease);
}
.nav__brand:hover .nav__mark {
  transform: rotate(180deg);
  filter:
    drop-shadow(0 -2px 8px rgba(127, 212, 255, 0.7))
    drop-shadow(0 2px 8px rgba(255, 106, 31, 0.7));
}
.nav__links { display: flex; gap: 2.25rem; }
.nav__links a {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .82rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: .18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  position: relative;
  transition: color .3s var(--ease);
}
.nav__links a:hover { color: var(--ice); }
.nav__links a::after {
  content: ""; position: absolute;
  left: 0; right: 100%; bottom: -6px;
  height: 1px; background: var(--ember);
  transition: right .4s var(--ease);
}
.nav__links a:hover::after { right: 0; }

.nav__toggle { display: none; background: none; border: 0; width: 32px; height: 32px; cursor: pointer; }
.nav__toggle span { display: block; height: 2px; background: var(--ice); margin: 6px 0; transition: .3s; }

/* ---------- HERO ---------- */
.hero {
  position: relative;
  min-height: 100vh;
  display: flex; align-items: center;
  padding: 8rem var(--gutter) 4rem;
  overflow: hidden;
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 100vw;
}
.hero__bg {
  position: absolute; inset: 0;
  background-size: cover;
  background-position: 75% center;
  filter: saturate(.95) contrast(1.08) brightness(1.05);
  transform: scale(1.02);
  animation: slowZoom 40s ease-in-out infinite alternate;
}
@keyframes slowZoom { to { transform: scale(1.06) translateX(-0.8%); } }

.hero__scrim {
  position: absolute; inset: 0;
  background:
    linear-gradient(90deg, var(--void) 0%, rgba(6,8,13,.92) 30%, rgba(6,8,13,.55) 55%, rgba(6,8,13,.15) 80%, rgba(6,8,13,.35) 100%),
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(6,8,13,.55) 0%, transparent 35%, rgba(6,8,13,.85) 100%);
}
.hero__astrid-signal {
  position: absolute;
  z-index: 1;
  top: 50%;
  right: clamp(-9rem, -6vw, -4rem);
  height: min(108vh, 1120px);
  aspect-ratio: 823 / 1912;
  opacity: .055;
  pointer-events: none;
  user-select: none;
  transform: translate3d(5%, -48%, 0) scale(.985);
  transform-origin: 62% 52%;
  transition: opacity .72s var(--ease), transform .84s var(--ease), filter .72s var(--ease);
  filter: saturate(.72) contrast(1.04) brightness(.9);
  mix-blend-mode: screen;
  -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent 0%, #000 16%, #000 77%, transparent 100%);
  mask-image: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent 0%, #000 16%, #000 77%, transparent 100%);
}
.hero__astrid-portrait,
.hero__astrid-slice {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: contain;
  object-position: center;
}
.hero__astrid-slice {
  background-image: var(--astrid-signal-image);
  background-position: center;
  background-repeat: no-repeat;
  background-size: contain;
  opacity: 0;
}
.hero__astrid-slice--one {
  clip-path: inset(16% 0 63% 0);
}
.hero__astrid-slice--two {
  clip-path: inset(51% 0 28% 0);
}
.hero.is-astrid-signal .hero__astrid-signal {
  opacity: .22;
  transform: translate3d(0, -48%, 0) scale(1);
  filter: saturate(.9) contrast(1.07) brightness(.98);
}
.hero.is-astrid-signal .hero__astrid-slice--one {
  animation: astridSignalSliceOne .34s ease-out both;
}
.hero.is-astrid-signal .hero__astrid-slice--two {
  animation: astridSignalSliceTwo .3s .025s ease-out both;
}
@keyframes astridSignalSliceOne {
  0%   { opacity: 0; transform: translateX(-15px); filter: saturate(1.6) hue-rotate(7deg); }
  24%  { opacity: .74; transform: translateX(6px); }
  58%  { opacity: .34; transform: translateX(-2px); }
  100% { opacity: 0; transform: translateX(0); filter: none; }
}
@keyframes astridSignalSliceTwo {
  0%   { opacity: 0; transform: translateX(12px); filter: saturate(1.45) hue-rotate(-6deg); }
  30%  { opacity: .62; transform: translateX(-5px); }
  65%  { opacity: .28; transform: translateX(2px); }
  100% { opacity: 0; transform: translateX(0); filter: none; }
}
.hero__inner {
  position: relative;
  max-width: 780px;
  z-index: 2;
}
.hero__eyebrow {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .8rem;
  letter-spacing: .35em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ember);
  margin-bottom: 1.75rem;
  opacity: 0;
  animation: rise .9s .2s var(--ease) forwards;
}
.hero__eyebrow::before {
  content: "";
  display: inline-block;
  width: 40px; height: 1px;
  background: var(--ember);
  vertical-align: middle;
  margin-right: 1rem;
}
.hero__title {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(3rem, 9vw, 7.5rem);
  line-height: .92;
  letter-spacing: -.02em;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}
.hero__line {
  display: block;
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(30px);
  animation: rise 1s var(--ease) forwards;
}
.hero__line--one {
  animation-delay: .35s;
  color: var(--ice);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--signal) 0%, var(--ice) 35%, var(--ember) 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  background-clip: text;
  color: transparent;
}
.hero__line--two {
  animation-delay: .55s;
  font-style: italic;
  font-weight: 500;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--ember) 0%, var(--ember-hot) 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  background-clip: text;
  color: transparent;
  padding-left: .5em;
}
.hero__sub {
  font-family: var(--body);
  font-size: clamp(1.05rem, 1.6vw, 1.35rem);
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  max-width: 620px;
  margin-bottom: 2.75rem;
  opacity: 0;
  animation: rise 1s .8s var(--ease) forwards;
  border-left: 2px solid;
  border-image: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--signal), var(--ember)) 1;
  padding-left: 1.25rem;
}
.hero__ctas {
  display: flex; gap: 1rem; flex-wrap: wrap;
  opacity: 0;
  animation: rise 1s 1s var(--ease) forwards;
}
@keyframes rise { to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); } }

.btn {
  display: inline-block;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .82rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: .2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: 1.1rem 2.25rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all .35s var(--ease);
  border: 1px solid transparent;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.btn--primary {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--ember-hot) 0%, var(--ember) 100%);
  color: var(--void);
  border-color: rgba(127,212,255,.22);
  box-shadow:
    0 0 0 0 var(--ember-glow),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.28);
}
.btn--primary:hover {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--signal-hot) -35%, var(--ember-hot) 20%, var(--ember) 100%);
  box-shadow:
    0 -10px 32px -18px var(--signal-glow),
    0 16px 42px -16px var(--ember-glow);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.btn--secondary {
  background: rgba(127, 212, 255, 0.03);
  color: var(--signal-hot);
  border-color: rgba(127,212,255,.55);
  box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(127,212,255,.08);
}
.btn--secondary:hover {
  border-color: var(--signal-hot);
  background: rgba(127,212,255,.1);
  box-shadow: 0 12px 32px -18px var(--signal-glow);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.hero__scroll {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 1.72rem;
  left: 50%;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  /* Preview pass: circlet scaled up ~35% for stronger presence. */
  width: clamp(251px, 21.6vw, 372px);
  height: auto;
  display: grid;
  place-items: center;
  opacity: .82;
  transition: opacity .35s var(--ease), transform .35s var(--ease), filter .35s var(--ease);
}
.hero__scroll:hover,
.hero__scroll:focus-visible {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(-2px);
  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 18px rgba(94,188,255,.28));
  outline: none;
}
.hero__nexus {
  overflow: visible;
}
.hero__nexus-img {
  width: 100%;
  height: auto;
  display: block;
  pointer-events: none;
  user-select: none;
  opacity: .96;
  filter:
    drop-shadow(0 0 14px rgba(127,212,255,.18))
    drop-shadow(0 0 22px rgba(255,106,31,.10))
    drop-shadow(0 14px 30px rgba(0,0,0,.38));
}
.hero__nexus-light {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  pointer-events: none;
  /* The circlet's own alpha is the mask: light can only exist on the metal. */
  -webkit-mask-image: url("images/nexus-scroll-circlet.png");
  -webkit-mask-size: 100% 100%;
  -webkit-mask-repeat: no-repeat;
  mask-image: url("images/nexus-scroll-circlet.png");
  mask-size: 100% 100%;
  mask-repeat: no-repeat;
  background: linear-gradient(105deg,
    transparent 34%,
    rgba(235, 248, 255, .98) 47%,
    rgba(160, 222, 255, .92) 50%,
    rgba(94, 188, 255, .82) 55%,
    transparent 70%);
  background-size: 245% 100%;
  background-position-x: 115%;
  mix-blend-mode: screen;
  filter:
    drop-shadow(0 0 8px rgba(215,242,255,.40))
    drop-shadow(0 0 16px rgba(94,188,255,.26))
    drop-shadow(0 0 10px rgba(255,106,31,.14));
  opacity: 0;
  animation: nexusLightTravel 8s var(--ease) infinite;
}
@keyframes nexusLightTravel {
  0%, 58%   { background-position-x: 115%; opacity: 0; }
  63%       { opacity: 1; }
  86%       { background-position-x: -15%; opacity: 1; }
  93%, 100% { background-position-x: -15%; opacity: 0; }
}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .character--astrid .character__hover { transition-delay: 0s; }
  .character--astrid .character__fx { display: none; }

  .hero__nexus-light { animation: none; }
}

.hero__note {
  max-width: 52rem;
  margin-top: 1rem;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  font-size: 1rem;
  line-height: 1.6;
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(10px);
  animation: rise 1s 1.12s var(--ease) forwards;
}


/* ---------- SECTION SCAFFOLDING ---------- */
section { position: relative; padding: 7rem var(--gutter); max-width: var(--max); margin: 0 auto; }

.section-label {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .75rem;
  letter-spacing: .3em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 1rem;
}
.section-label span {
  color: var(--ember);
  font-weight: 700;
}
.section-label::after {
  content: ""; flex: 1; height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--signal-glow), var(--ember-glow), transparent);
  max-width: 200px;
}
.section-heading {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 3.75rem);
  line-height: 1.05;
  letter-spacing: -.015em;
  margin-bottom: 4rem;
  max-width: 900px;
}

/* ---------- BOOK ---------- */
.book__item {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 340px 1fr;
  gap: 4rem;
  align-items: start;
  padding: 3rem 0;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);
  transition: border-color .5s var(--ease);
}
.book__item:hover {
  border-top-color: rgba(255,106,31,.3);
}
.book__cover {
  position: relative;
  box-shadow:
    0 40px 80px -20px rgba(0,0,0,.7),
    0 0 60px -15px var(--ember-glow);
  transition: transform .6s var(--ease), box-shadow .6s var(--ease);
}
.book__item:hover .book__cover {
  transform: translateY(-6px) rotate(-.5deg);
  box-shadow:
    0 50px 100px -20px rgba(0,0,0,.8),
    0 0 120px -10px rgba(255,106,31,.55);
}
.book__cover::before {
  content: ""; position: absolute;
  top: -1px; left: -1px; right: -1px; bottom: -1px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.1);
  pointer-events: none;
  transition: border-color .5s var(--ease);
}
.book__item:hover .book__cover::before {
  border-color: rgba(255,106,31,.5);
}
.book__cover img {
  width: 100%;
  height: auto;
}

.book__title-link {
  color: inherit;
  text-decoration: none;
}
.book__title-link:focus-visible {
  outline: 2px solid var(--signal);
  outline-offset: .16em;
}

.book__title {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4rem);
  line-height: 1;
  letter-spacing: -.02em;
  margin-bottom: 1.75rem;
  transition: text-shadow .5s var(--ease), color .5s var(--ease);
}
.book__item:hover .book__title {
  color: #fff;
  text-shadow:
    0 0 30px rgba(255,106,31,.5),
    0 0 60px rgba(255,106,31,.2);
}
.book__item:hover .book__status {
  background: rgba(255,106,31,.1);
}

.book__cover--placeholder {
  aspect-ratio: 2 / 3;
  background:
    radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 30%, rgba(255,106,31,.18), transparent 60%),
    linear-gradient(180deg, var(--void-3), var(--void));
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 1.25rem;
  padding: 2rem;
  text-align: center;
}
.book__cover-mono {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 4.5rem;
  line-height: 1;
  letter-spacing: -.03em;
  color: var(--ember);
  opacity: .85;
}
.book__cover-label {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .7rem;
  letter-spacing: .25em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  line-height: 1.6;
}

/* ---------- TRAILER ---------- */
.trailer { max-width: 1100px; }
.trailer__frame {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 720px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
  background: var(--void-2);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.1);
  box-shadow:
    0 50px 100px -30px rgba(0,0,0,.8),
    0 0 80px -20px var(--ember-glow);
  overflow: hidden;
}
.trailer__frame::before,
.trailer__frame::after {
  content: ""; position: absolute;
  width: 24px; height: 24px;
  border: 1px solid var(--ember);
  z-index: 2; pointer-events: none;
}
.trailer__frame::before { top: -1px; left: -1px;  border-right: 0; border-bottom: 0; }
.trailer__frame::after  { bottom: -1px; right: -1px; border-left: 0;  border-top: 0;  }
.trailer__frame video,
.trailer__frame iframe {
  width: 100%; height: 100%; display: block; border: 0;
  background: #000;
}

/* ---------- AUDIO ---------- */
.audio { max-width: 900px; }
.audio__frame {
  max-width: 700px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 2rem;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.1);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--void-2), var(--void));
  position: relative;
}
.audio__frame::before {
  content: ""; position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0; width: 3px; height: 100%;
  background: var(--ember);
  box-shadow: 0 0 20px var(--ember-glow);
}
.audio__frame iframe { display: block; border-radius: 2px; }
.audio__frame audio   { width: 100%; margin-top: .75rem; }
.audio__title {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .9rem;
  letter-spacing: .15em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ember);
  margin-bottom: .5rem;
}

.book__status {
  display: inline-block;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .7rem;
  letter-spacing: .25em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ember);
  padding: .4rem .9rem;
  border: 1px solid var(--ember);
  margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
}
.book__series {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .85rem;
  letter-spacing: .2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  margin-bottom: .75rem;
}
.book__blurb {
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  line-height: 1.7;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
  max-width: 620px;
}
.book__actions {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  align-items: center;
  gap: .9rem 1.25rem;
}
.book__prologue {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: .65rem;
  background: transparent;
  color: var(--signal);
  border: 1px solid rgba(127, 212, 255, 0.4);
  padding: 1rem 1.6rem;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .78rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: .18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all .35s var(--ease);
}
.book__prologue:hover {
  background: rgba(127, 212, 255, 0.08);
  border-color: var(--signal);
  color: var(--signal-hot);
  box-shadow: 0 0 24px rgba(127, 212, 255, 0.25);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.book__prologue svg {
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.book__buy {
  display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: .6rem;
}
.book__buy a {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .75rem;
  letter-spacing: .15em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: .7rem 1.3rem;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.2);
  color: var(--ice);
  transition: all .3s var(--ease);
}
.book__buy a:hover {
  border-color: var(--ember);
  color: var(--ember);
  background: rgba(255,106,31,.05);
}
/* When there's only one buy link (e.g. Amazon-only under KDP Select),
   promote it to a prominent ember-filled button. */
.book__buy:has(> a:only-child) a {
  background: var(--ember);
  color: var(--void);
  border-color: var(--ember);
  padding: 1rem 2.25rem;
  font-size: .82rem;
  letter-spacing: .2em;
  font-weight: 700;
}
.book__buy:has(> a:only-child) a:hover {
  background: var(--ember-hot);
  border-color: var(--ember-hot);
  color: var(--void);
  box-shadow: 0 0 30px var(--ember-glow);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

/* ---------- CHARACTERS ---------- */
.characters__grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(260px, 1fr));
  gap: 1.5rem;
}
.character {
  position: relative;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--void-2), var(--void));
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: all .5s var(--ease);
  display: flex; flex-direction: column;
}
.character::before {
  content: ""; position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; height: 2px;
  background: var(--ember);
  transform: scaleX(0); transform-origin: left;
  transition: transform .5s var(--ease);
  z-index: 2;
}
.character:hover {
  border-color: rgba(255,106,31,.3);
  transform: translateY(-4px);
}
.character:hover::before { transform: scaleX(1); }

.character__image {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.character__image::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute; inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 40%, rgba(6,8,13,.85) 100%);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.character__image img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  display: block;
  filter: saturate(.9) contrast(1.05);
  transition: transform .8s var(--ease);
}
.character:hover .character__image img { transform: scale(1.04); }

.character__body {
  padding: 1.75rem 1.75rem 2rem;
  flex: 1;
}
.character--text-only .character__body { padding-top: 2.25rem; }

.character__initial {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 5rem;
  line-height: 1;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,.08);
  margin: 2rem 1.75rem .5rem;
  letter-spacing: -.05em;
}
.character:hover .character__initial { color: var(--ember-glow); }
.character__name {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: -.01em;
  margin-bottom: .4rem;
}
.character__role {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .72rem;
  letter-spacing: .25em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ember);
  margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
}
.character__bio {
  font-size: .97rem;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  line-height: 1.65;
}

/* ---------- AUTHOR ---------- */
.author { max-width: 1100px; }
.author__inner {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 280px 1fr;
  gap: 4rem;
  align-items: start;
}
.author__portrait {
  aspect-ratio: 3 / 4;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--void-3), var(--void));
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);
  position: relative;
  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.author__portrait::before {
  content: ""; position: absolute;
  inset: 12px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,106,31,.25);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.author__monogram {
  width: calc(100% - 48px);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(3.6rem, 6vw, 4.8rem);
  line-height: .85;
  color: var(--ember);
  letter-spacing: -.09em;
  white-space: nowrap;
  text-align: center;
  transform: translateX(-.04em);
  opacity: .72;
}
.author__portrait img {
  width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover;
}
.author__name {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: clamp(2.25rem, 4vw, 3rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: -.01em;
  margin-bottom: .5rem;
}
.author__short {
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--ember);
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
}
.author__bio p {
  margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  font-size: 1.05rem;
}
.author__bio p:first-child::first-letter {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 3.5rem;
  float: left;
  line-height: .9;
  padding: .25rem .5rem 0 0;
  color: var(--ember);
}

.author__links {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: .7rem 1.25rem;
  margin-top: .35rem;
}
.author__links a {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: .35rem;
  color: var(--signal);
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .72rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: .16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  text-decoration: none;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(127,212,255,.28);
  padding-bottom: .25rem;
  transition: color .25s var(--ease), border-color .25s var(--ease);
}
.author__links a:hover {
  color: var(--signal-hot);
  border-color: var(--signal-hot);
}

/* ---------- NEWSLETTER ---------- */
.newsletter {
  text-align: center;
  max-width: 760px;
  padding-top: 5rem;
  padding-bottom: 8rem;
}
@keyframes newsletterAstridPulse {
  0%, 100% { opacity: 0; }
  42% { opacity: .13; }
  57% { opacity: .2; }
}
.newsletter__inner { padding: 4rem 2rem; border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.1); position: relative; }
.newsletter__inner::before,
.newsletter__inner::after {
  content: ""; position: absolute;
  width: 20px; height: 20px;
  border: 1px solid var(--ember);
}
.newsletter__inner::before { top: -1px; left: -1px; border-color: var(--signal); border-right: 0; border-bottom: 0; }
.newsletter__inner::after  { bottom: -1px; right: -1px; border-color: var(--ember); border-left: 0; border-top: 0; }
.newsletter .section-label { justify-content: center; }
.newsletter .section-label::after { display: none; }
.newsletter__heading {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3rem);
  letter-spacing: -.01em;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
}
.newsletter__pitch {
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  margin-bottom: 2.5rem;
  max-width: 500px;
  margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
}
.newsletter__whisper {
  margin: -0.8rem 0 1.1rem;
  font-family: var(--body);
  font-size: .98rem;
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--signal-hot);
  letter-spacing: .02em;
}

.newsletter__form {
  display: flex;
  max-width: 460px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.2);
  transition: border-color .3s var(--ease);
}
.newsletter__form:focus-within {
  border-color: var(--signal);
  box-shadow:
    0 -10px 36px -22px var(--signal-glow),
    0 12px 36px -24px var(--ember-glow);
}
.newsletter__form input {
  flex: 1;
  min-width: 0;
  background: transparent;
  border: 0;
  padding: 1.1rem 1.3rem;
  color: var(--ice);
  font-family: var(--body);
  font-size: 1rem;
  outline: none;
}
.newsletter__form input::placeholder { color: var(--ice-ghost); }
.newsletter__form button {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--ember-hot) 0%, var(--ember) 100%);
  color: var(--void);
  border: 0;
  padding: 0 1.8rem;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .78rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: .2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: background .3s var(--ease);
}
.newsletter__form button:hover {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--signal-hot) -45%, var(--ember-hot) 15%, var(--ember) 100%);
}

/* Keep the complete email address usable on narrow phones. */
@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .newsletter__form { flex-direction: column; }
  .newsletter__form input[type="email"] { width: 100%; }
  .newsletter__form button { min-height: 48px; padding: 1rem; }
}
.newsletter__privacy {
  margin: .85rem auto 0;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .66rem;
  letter-spacing: .14em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}
.newsletter__beta {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: .6rem;
  margin-top: 1.25rem;
  font-family: var(--body);
  font-size: .88rem;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  cursor: pointer;
  text-align: left;
  max-width: 460px;
  user-select: none;
}
.newsletter__beta input[type="checkbox"] {
  appearance: none;
  -webkit-appearance: none;
  width: 16px; height: 16px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.3);
  background: transparent;
  cursor: pointer;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  margin-top: .25rem;
  transition: all .2s var(--ease);
  position: relative;
}
.newsletter__beta input[type="checkbox"]:hover {
  border-color: var(--ember);
}
.newsletter__beta input[type="checkbox"]:checked {
  background: var(--ember);
  border-color: var(--ember);
}
.newsletter__beta input[type="checkbox"]:checked::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  left: 4px; top: 0px;
  width: 5px; height: 10px;
  border: solid var(--void);
  border-width: 0 2px 2px 0;
  transform: rotate(45deg);
}
.newsletter__beta span {
  line-height: 1.5;
  font-style: italic;
}
.newsletter__beta strong {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .69rem;
  font-style: normal;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: .17em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ember-hot);
}
.newsletter__beta em {
  color: var(--ice);
}
.newsletter__beta:focus-within span {
  color: var(--ice);
}

.newsletter__note {
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
  font-size: .9rem;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  min-height: 1.2em;
  font-style: italic;
  transition: color .3s var(--ease);
}

/* ---------- FOOTER ---------- */
.footer {
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);
  padding: 3rem var(--gutter);
  max-width: var(--max);
  margin: 0 auto;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr auto auto 1fr;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 2rem;
}
.footer__population {
  justify-self: center;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .68rem;
  letter-spacing: .19em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  white-space: nowrap;
  transition: color .8s var(--ease), text-shadow .8s var(--ease);
}
.footer__population.is-dropped {
  color: var(--ember-hot);
  text-shadow: 0 0 18px rgba(255,106,31,.22);
}

.footer__brand {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: .15em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-size: .9rem;
}
.footer__social {
  display: flex; gap: 1.75rem;
  justify-self: center;
}
.footer__social a {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .75rem;
  letter-spacing: .2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  transition: color .3s var(--ease);
}
.footer__social a:hover { color: var(--ember); }
.footer__meta {
  display: flex; flex-direction: column;
  align-items: flex-end;
  gap: .25rem;
  font-size: .75rem;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  font-style: italic;
}

/* ---------- VIDEOS ---------- */
.videos { max-width: 1100px; }
.videos__grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(300px, 1fr));
  gap: 2rem;
  margin-bottom: 3rem;
}
.video {
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: transform .5s var(--ease);
}
.video:hover { transform: translateY(-4px); }

.video__thumb {
  position: relative;
  aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;
  background: var(--void-2);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: border-color .3s var(--ease), box-shadow .5s var(--ease);
}
.video:hover .video__thumb {
  border-color: rgba(255,106,31,.4);
  box-shadow: 0 20px 60px -15px rgba(0,0,0,.7), 0 0 40px -10px var(--ember-glow);
}
.video__thumb img {
  width: 100%; height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform .6s var(--ease), filter .3s var(--ease);
  filter: saturate(.85);
}
.video:hover .video__thumb img {
  transform: scale(1.05);
  filter: saturate(1);
}
.video__thumb iframe {
  width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0; display: block;
}
.video__play {
  position: absolute;
  top: 50%; left: 50%;
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
  width: 64px; height: 64px;
  border: 1px solid var(--ember);
  background: rgba(6,8,13,.75);
  backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
  color: var(--ember);
  cursor: pointer;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center; justify-content: center;
  transition: all .3s var(--ease);
  padding-left: 4px; /* optical centering of triangle */
}
.video:hover .video__play {
  background: var(--ember);
  color: var(--void);
  box-shadow: 0 0 30px var(--ember-glow);
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.08);
}
.video__title {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: -.005em;
  margin-top: 1.1rem;
  color: var(--ice);
  line-height: 1.3;
}
.videos__channel {
  display: inline-block;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .82rem;
  letter-spacing: .2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ember);
  padding: 1rem 2rem;
  border: 1px solid var(--ember);
  transition: all .3s var(--ease);
}
.videos__channel:hover {
  background: var(--ember);
  color: var(--void);
  box-shadow: 0 0 30px var(--ember-glow);
}

/* ---------- PRAISE / REVIEWS ---------- */
.praise { max-width: 1100px; }
.praise__blurbs {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(320px, 1fr));
  gap: 2rem;
  margin-bottom: 3.5rem;
}
.blurb {
  padding: 2.5rem 2rem 2rem;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--void-2), var(--void));
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);
  position: relative;
}
.blurb::before {
  content: "“";
  position: absolute;
  top: .25rem; left: 1rem;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: 5rem;
  line-height: 1;
  color: var(--ember);
  opacity: .4;
}
.blurb__quote {
  font-family: var(--body);
  font-style: italic;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: var(--ice);
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
}
.blurb__cite {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .72rem;
  letter-spacing: .2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: .2rem;
}
.blurb__attribution { color: var(--ember); font-weight: 700; }
.blurb__source      { color: var(--ice-ghost); font-weight: 400; }

.blurb:nth-child(even)::before { color: var(--signal); }
.blurb:nth-child(even) .blurb__attribution { color: var(--signal); }

.praise__reviews-label {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .72rem;
  letter-spacing: .25em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
  text-align: center;
}
.praise__reviews {
  display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: .75rem;
  justify-content: center;
}
.praise__reviews a {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .78rem;
  letter-spacing: .18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: .9rem 1.7rem;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.2);
  color: var(--ice);
  transition: all .3s var(--ease);
}
.praise__reviews a:hover {
  border-color: var(--ember);
  color: var(--ember);
  background: rgba(255,106,31,.05);
}

/* ---------- CONTACT ---------- */
.contact { max-width: 780px; }
.contact__pitch {
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  margin-bottom: 2.75rem;
  max-width: 620px;
}
.newsletter__alt {
  margin-top: 2.5rem;
  padding-top: 2rem;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);
  font-size: .92rem;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  font-style: italic;
}
.newsletter__alt-link {
  background: none;
  border: 0;
  color: var(--signal);
  font-family: var(--body);
  font-style: italic;
  font-size: .92rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  padding: 0;
  margin-left: .25rem;
  text-decoration: underline;
  text-underline-offset: 3px;
  text-decoration-thickness: 0.5px;
  text-decoration-color: rgba(127, 212, 255, 0.4);
  transition: color .3s var(--ease), text-decoration-color .3s var(--ease);
}
.newsletter__alt-link:hover {
  color: var(--signal-hot);
  text-decoration-color: var(--signal-hot);
}
.newsletter__contact[hidden] { display: none; }
.newsletter__contact {
  margin-top: 2rem;
  padding-top: 2rem;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);
  text-align: left;
  animation: revealDown .5s var(--ease);
}
@keyframes revealDown {
  from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(-10px); }
  to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
}

.contact__form {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 1.5rem;
}
.contact__row {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 1.5rem;
}
.contact__field {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: .5rem;
}
.contact__field > span {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .7rem;
  letter-spacing: .22em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
}
.contact__field input,
.contact__field textarea {
  background: var(--void-2);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.12);
  padding: 1rem 1.2rem;
  color: var(--ice);
  font-family: var(--body);
  font-size: 1rem;
  outline: none;
  transition: border-color .3s var(--ease), background .3s var(--ease);
  resize: vertical;
}
.contact__field input:focus,
.contact__field textarea:focus {
  border-color: var(--ember);
  background: var(--void-3);
}
.contact__field textarea { min-height: 140px; font-family: var(--body); line-height: 1.6; }
.contact__form button {
  align-self: flex-start;
  background: var(--ember);
  color: var(--void);
  border: 0;
  padding: 1.1rem 2.5rem;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .82rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: .2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all .3s var(--ease);
  margin-top: .5rem;
}
.contact__form button:hover:not(:disabled) {
  background: var(--ember-hot);
  box-shadow: 0 0 30px var(--ember-glow);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.contact__form button:disabled { opacity: .6; cursor: wait; }
.contact__note {
  margin-top: 1.25rem;
  font-size: .9rem;
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  min-height: 1.2em;
}

/* ---------- FIRST LINES (inline prologue tease) ---------- */
.first-lines {
  max-width: 820px;
}
.first-lines__panel {
  position: relative;
  padding: 3.5rem 3rem 2rem;
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, var(--void-2) 0%, var(--void) 100%);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);
  border-left: 2px solid;
  border-image: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--signal), var(--ember)) 1;
}
.first-lines__meta {
  text-align: center;
  margin-bottom: 2.5rem;
  padding-bottom: 1.75rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.06);
}
.first-lines__pov {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .72rem;
  letter-spacing: .35em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ember);
  margin-bottom: .5rem;
}
.first-lines__chapter {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: .02em;
  color: var(--ice);
  margin-bottom: .35rem;
}
.first-lines__where {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .68rem;
  letter-spacing: .22em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
}
.first-lines__prose {
  font-family: var(--body);
  font-size: 1.12rem;
  line-height: 1.85;
  color: rgba(232, 236, 241, 0.92);
  position: relative;
}
.first-lines__prose p {
  margin: 0 0 1.3rem;
}
.first-lines__prose p:first-child::first-letter {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 4rem;
  float: left;
  line-height: .85;
  padding: .3rem .5rem 0 0;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--signal) 0%, var(--ember) 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
}
.first-lines__fade {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 5.5rem;
  left: 0; right: 0;
  height: 100px;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 0%, var(--void) 90%);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.first-lines__cta {
  position: relative;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: .75rem;
  margin-top: 1rem;
  background: var(--ember);
  color: var(--void);
  border: 0;
  padding: 1.1rem 2.25rem;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .82rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: .2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all .35s var(--ease);
}
.first-lines__cta:hover {
  background: var(--ember-hot);
  box-shadow: 0 0 36px var(--ember-glow);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.first-lines__cta svg {
  transition: transform .3s var(--ease);
}
.first-lines__cta:hover svg {
  transform: translateX(4px);
}

@media (max-width: 860px) {
  .first-lines__panel { padding: 2.5rem 1.5rem 2rem; }
  .first-lines__prose { font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.78; }
  .first-lines__prose p:first-child::first-letter { font-size: 3rem; }
  .first-lines__fade  { bottom: 5rem; }
}

/* ---------- PROLOGUE READER (full-screen overlay) ---------- */
.prologue {
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: 1000;
  background: rgba(6, 8, 13, 0.96);
  backdrop-filter: blur(20px) saturate(120%);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(20px) saturate(120%);
  animation: prologueFadeIn .5s var(--ease);
}
.prologue[hidden] { display: none; }

@keyframes prologueFadeIn {
  from { opacity: 0; }
  to   { opacity: 1; }
}

.prologue__return {
  position: fixed;
  top: 1.5rem;
  left: 1.5rem;
  z-index: 1002;
  background: rgba(6, 8, 13, 0.85);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);
  color: var(--ice);
  min-height: 48px;
  padding: 0 1rem;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: .5rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all .3s var(--ease);
  backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .72rem;
  letter-spacing: .18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}
.prologue__return:hover {
  border-color: var(--signal);
  color: var(--signal-hot);
  background: rgba(127, 212, 255, 0.08);
}

.prologue__close {
  position: fixed;
  top: 1.5rem;
  right: 1.5rem;
  z-index: 1002;
  background: rgba(6, 8, 13, 0.85);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);
  color: var(--ice);
  width: 48px;
  height: 48px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all .3s var(--ease);
  backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
}
.prologue__close:hover {
  border-color: var(--ember);
  color: var(--ember);
  background: rgba(255, 106, 31, 0.1);
}

.prologue__progress {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  height: 2px;
  background: rgba(255,255,255,.05);
  z-index: 1001;
}
.prologue__progress span {
  display: block;
  height: 100%;
  width: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--signal), var(--ember));
  transition: width .12s linear;
  box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(255, 106, 31, 0.5);
}

.prologue__scroll {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  overflow-y: auto;
  overflow-x: hidden;
  scroll-behavior: smooth;
}

.prologue__inner {
  max-width: 680px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 6rem 2rem 8rem;
  font-family: var(--body);
  color: var(--ice);
}

.prologue__header {
  text-align: center;
  margin-bottom: 4rem;
  padding-bottom: 3rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);
}
.prologue__mark {
  width: 56px;
  height: 56px;
  margin: 0 auto 2rem;
  display: block;
  filter:
    drop-shadow(0 -2px 12px rgba(127, 212, 255, 0.5))
    drop-shadow(0 2px 12px rgba(255, 106, 31, 0.5));
  transition: transform .25s linear;
  will-change: transform;
}
.prologue__pov {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .75rem;
  letter-spacing: .35em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ember);
  margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
}
.prologue__title {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 3.25rem);
  line-height: 1.05;
  letter-spacing: -.01em;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
  color: var(--ice);
}
.prologue__meta {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .72rem;
  letter-spacing: .22em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  font-style: normal;
}

.prologue__body {
  font-size: 1.18rem;
  line-height: 1.85;
  font-weight: 400;
  color: rgba(232, 236, 241, 0.92);
}
.prologue__body p {
  margin: 0 0 1.4rem;
  text-indent: 0;
}
.prologue__body p + p {
  margin-top: 0;
}
/* First paragraph after a break or after the header — drop cap */
.prologue__body > p:first-of-type::first-letter {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 4.5rem;
  float: left;
  line-height: .85;
  padding: .35rem .55rem 0 0;
  color: var(--ember);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--signal) 0%, var(--ember) 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
}

.prologue__break {
  text-align: center;
  margin: 3rem 0;
  color: var(--ember);
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  letter-spacing: 1em;
  padding-left: 1em; /* optical centering for letter-spacing */
  opacity: 0.5;
}

.prologue__footer {
  margin-top: 5rem;
  padding-top: 3rem;
  text-align: center;
}
.prologue__rule {
  width: 80px;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--ember), transparent);
  margin: 0 auto 2.5rem;
}
.prologue__end {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .8rem;
  letter-spacing: .2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  margin-bottom: 2.5rem;
  font-style: normal;
}

.prologue__map-link {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  min-height: 38px;
  padding: 0 .9rem;
  margin: -1rem auto 1.8rem;
  border: 1px solid rgba(127,212,255,.35);
  border-radius: 999px;
  color: var(--signal);
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .63rem;
  letter-spacing: .11em;
  text-decoration: none;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.prologue__map-link:hover {
  border-color: var(--signal);
  background: rgba(127,212,255,.06);
}

/* Custom scrollbar for the prologue reader */
.prologue__scroll::-webkit-scrollbar {
  width: 8px;
}
.prologue__scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-track {
  background: rgba(255,255,255,.02);
}
.prologue__scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--signal), var(--ember));
  border-radius: 0;
}

/* ---------- REVEAL ON SCROLL ---------- */
.reveal { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(40px); transition: opacity 1s var(--ease), transform 1s var(--ease); }
.reveal.is-visible { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }

/* ---------- RESPONSIVE ---------- */
@media (min-width: 1081px) {
  .newsletter {
    position: relative;
    isolation: isolate;
  }
  .newsletter__astrid-echo {
    position: absolute;
    z-index: 0;
    top: 50%;
    right: calc(clamp(15rem, 24vw, 22rem) * -1);
    width: clamp(24rem, 36vw, 34rem);
    aspect-ratio: 1122 / 1402;
    transform: translate3d(1.5rem, -48%, 0) scale(.99);
    pointer-events: none;
    -webkit-mask-image: radial-gradient(ellipse 73% 78% at 66% 49%, #000 0 42%, rgba(0,0,0,.78) 61%, rgba(0,0,0,.18) 79%, transparent 100%);
    mask-image: radial-gradient(ellipse 73% 78% at 66% 49%, #000 0 42%, rgba(0,0,0,.78) 61%, rgba(0,0,0,.18) 79%, transparent 100%);
    transition: transform 1.45s var(--ease);
  }
  .newsletter__astrid-echo-image,
  .newsletter__astrid-echo-pulse {
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
  }
  .newsletter__astrid-echo-image {
    object-fit: cover;
    opacity: 0;
    filter: saturate(.72) contrast(1.06) brightness(.72);
    mix-blend-mode: screen;
    transition: opacity 1.25s var(--ease);
  }
  .newsletter__astrid-echo-pulse {
    background: var(--newsletter-astrid-image) center / cover no-repeat;
    clip-path: inset(8% 1% 21% 51% round 42%);
    filter: saturate(.2) contrast(1.55) brightness(1.35);
    mix-blend-mode: screen;
    opacity: 0;
  }
  .newsletter.is-astrid-present .newsletter__astrid-echo {
    transform: translate3d(0, -50%, 0) scale(1);
  }
  .newsletter.is-astrid-present .newsletter__astrid-echo-image {
    opacity: .12;
  }
  .newsletter.is-astrid-present .newsletter__astrid-echo-pulse {
    animation: newsletterAstridPulse 1.25s .62s ease-out both;
  }
  .newsletter__inner {
    z-index: 1;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 860px) {
  .hero__bg {
    animation: none;
    transform: none;
    background-position: center center;
  }

  .nav__links {
    position: fixed;
    top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0;
    width: 70%; max-width: 320px;
    background: var(--void-2);
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: center;
    gap: 2.5rem;
    padding: 2rem;
    transform: translateX(100%);
    transition: transform .4s var(--ease);
    border-left: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);
  }
  .nav__links.is-open { transform: translateX(0); }
  .nav__toggle { display: block; position: relative; z-index: 101; }

  .book__item { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 2.5rem; }
  .book__cover { max-width: 280px; }
  .author__inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 2.5rem; }
  .author__portrait { max-width: 240px; }
  .contact__row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .footer { grid-template-columns: 1fr; text-align: center; }

  /* Prologue reader on mobile */
  .prologue__inner { padding: 5rem 1.25rem 6rem; }
  .prologue__body  { font-size: 1.08rem; line-height: 1.78; }
  .prologue__return { top: 1rem; left: 1rem; min-height: 42px; padding: 0 .8rem; font-size: .65rem; }
  .prologue__close { top: 1rem; right: 1rem; width: 42px; height: 42px; }
  .prologue__body > p:first-of-type::first-letter { font-size: 3.5rem; }
  .footer__population { justify-self: center; white-space: normal; }
  .footer__social { justify-self: center; }
  .footer__meta { align-items: center; }
  section { padding: 5rem var(--gutter); }
  .hero { padding-top: 7rem; }
}

@media (max-width: 1080px) {
  .hero__astrid-signal,
  .newsletter__astrid-echo {
    display: none !important;
  }
}

@media (hover: none) and (min-width: 1081px) {
  .hero__astrid-signal {
    opacity: .105;
    transform: translate3d(0, -48%, 0) scale(1);
  }
}

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .hero__astrid-slice {
    display: none !important;
  }
  .newsletter.is-astrid-present .newsletter__astrid-echo-pulse {
    display: none !important;
  }
  *, *::before, *::after {
    animation-duration: .01ms !important;
    transition-duration: .01ms !important;
  }
}

/* ---------- SIGNALS (audio tracks) ---------- */
.audio__track { margin-bottom: 2.25rem; }
.audio__track:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }
.audio__track .audio__title {
  font-family: var(--display); font-size: 1rem; font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: .05em; color: var(--ice); margin-bottom: .35rem;
}
.audio__note {
  font-family: var(--body); font-style: italic; font-size: .92rem;
  color: var(--ice-ghost); margin-bottom: .75rem;
}
.audio__track audio {
  width: 100%; display: block;
  filter: invert(0.92) hue-rotate(180deg) saturate(0.8);
  border-radius: 2px;
}

/* ========== SIGNAL FUNNEL + READER EXTRAS (v8) ========== */

/* End-of-prologue signal form */
.prologue__signal-line {
  margin: 1.4rem 0 .9rem;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  font-size: .95rem;
  letter-spacing: .01em;
}
.prologue__signal {
  display: flex; gap: .6rem; flex-wrap: wrap;
  justify-content: center; align-items: stretch;
}
.prologue__signal input[type="email"] {
  flex: 1 1 240px; max-width: 340px;
  background: var(--void-2);
  border: 1px solid var(--hull);
  color: var(--ice);
  padding: .8rem 1rem;
  border-radius: 4px;
  font: inherit;
}
.prologue__signal input[type="email"]:focus {
  outline: none; border-color: var(--ember);
}
.prologue__signal-note {
  margin-top: .8rem;
  min-height: 1.2em;
  color: var(--ember-hot);
  font-size: .85rem;
}

/* Read with the score */
.prologue__score {
  margin-top: .9rem;
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .5rem;
  background: none;
  border: 1px solid var(--hull);
  border-radius: 999px;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .68rem;
  letter-spacing: .18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: .5rem 1rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: color .25s, border-color .25s, box-shadow .25s;
}
.prologue__score:hover { color: var(--ice-dim); border-color: var(--ice-ghost); }
.prologue__score.is-on {
  color: var(--ember-hot);
  border-color: rgba(255,106,31,.45);
  box-shadow: 0 0 18px rgba(255,106,31,.12);
}

/* Select-to-share chip */
.prologue__share-chip {
  position: fixed;
  z-index: 2147483000;
  background: var(--void-3);
  border: 1px solid var(--hull);
  color: var(--ice);
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .68rem;
  letter-spacing: .14em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: .55rem .9rem;
  border-radius: 999px;
  cursor: pointer;
  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.5);
  transition: border-color .2s, color .2s;
}
.prologue__share-chip:hover { border-color: var(--ember); color: var(--ember-hot); }

/* Footer press link */
.footer__press {
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  text-decoration: none;
  border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;
  transition: color .2s, border-color .2s;
}
.footer__press:hover { color: var(--ice-dim); border-color: var(--ice-ghost); }


/* Return to the station — stable centered pill directly below the signal box */
.prologue__return {
  display: block;
  width: max-content;
  margin: 2.2rem auto 0;
  background: none;
  border: 1px solid var(--hull);
  border-radius: 999px;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .66rem;
  letter-spacing: .22em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  cursor: pointer;
  padding: .65rem 1.4rem;
  transition: color .25s, border-color .25s;
}
.prologue__return:hover,
.prologue__return:focus-visible {
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  border-color: var(--ice-ghost);
  outline: none;
}


/* Share chip: mobile placement (bottom-center, Kindle/Medium pattern) */
@media (max-width: 640px) {
  .prologue__share-chip {
    left: 50% !important;
    top: auto !important;
    bottom: 4.5rem;
    transform: translateX(-50%);
  }
}
.prologue__share-chip {
  opacity: 0;
  animation: chipIn .25s ease forwards;
}
@keyframes chipIn { to { opacity: 1; } }

/* ========== SIGNAL STATUS BOARD (v14) ========== */
.signals__board {
  max-width: 44rem;
  margin: 0 auto;
  display: grid;
  gap: 1.1rem;
}
.signal-card {
  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 1.2rem;
  background: var(--void-2);
  border: 1px solid var(--hull);
  border-radius: 8px;
  padding: 1.2rem 1.4rem;
}
.signal-card__mark { flex: 0 0 44px; width: 44px; height: 44px; }
.signal-card__disc { fill: var(--void); }
.signal-card--ice   { --sig: #7fd4ff; --sig-dim: rgba(127,212,255,.16); }
.signal-card--ember { --sig: var(--ember-hot); --sig-dim: rgba(255,179,71,.14); }
.signal-card__ring { stroke: var(--sig); filter: drop-shadow(0 0 6px var(--sig-dim)); }
.signal-card__body { flex: 1 1 auto; min-width: 0; }
.signal-card__head {
  display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: baseline; gap: 1rem;
}
.signal-card__title {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: 1.05rem; letter-spacing: .3em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice);
}
.signal-card__pct {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .62rem; letter-spacing: .18em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost); white-space: nowrap;
}
.signal-card__pct b { color: var(--sig); font-weight: 400; }
.signal-card__series {
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .6rem; letter-spacing: .24em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  margin: .25rem 0 .8rem;
}
.signal-card__bar {
  height: 4px; border-radius: 999px;
  background: var(--void-3);
  overflow: hidden;
}
.signal-card__fill {
  display: block; height: 100%;
  width: 0;
  border-radius: 999px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--sig-dim), var(--sig));
  box-shadow: 0 0 10px var(--sig-dim);
  transition: width 1.4s cubic-bezier(.22,.8,.3,1);
}
.signal-card__fill.is-lit { width: var(--pct); }
.signal-card__note {
  margin-top: .75rem;
  color: var(--ice-dim);
  font-size: .88rem;
  font-style: italic;
  line-height: 1.6;
}
/* ========== SIGNAL STATUS → TRANSMISSIONS LINK (v42) ========== */
.signals__more {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: .7rem 1.15rem;
  max-width: 44rem;
  margin: 1.8rem auto 0;
  text-align: center;
}

.signals__updated {
  text-align: right;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .58rem; letter-spacing: .22em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  margin-top: .2rem;
}
@media (max-width: 560px) {
  .signal-card { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; gap: .9rem; }
  .signal-card__head { flex-wrap: wrap; }
}

/* ========== SIGNAL BARS INSIDE BOOK CARDS (v15) ========== */
.book__signal {
  margin-top: 1.6rem;
  padding-top: 1.2rem;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--hull);
  max-width: 30rem;
}
.book__signal--ice   { --sig: #7fd4ff; --sig-dim: rgba(127,212,255,.16); }
.book__signal--ember { --sig: var(--ember-hot); --sig-dim: rgba(255,179,71,.14); }
.book__signal-head {
  display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: baseline;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .62rem; letter-spacing: .2em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
  margin-bottom: .55rem;
}
.book__signal-head b { color: var(--sig); font-weight: 400; }
.book__signal-bar {
  height: 4px; border-radius: 999px;
  background: var(--void-3);
  overflow: hidden;
}
.book__signal-fill {
  display: block; height: 100%; width: 0;
  border-radius: 999px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--sig-dim), var(--sig));
  box-shadow: 0 0 10px var(--sig-dim);
  transition: width 1.4s cubic-bezier(.22,.8,.3,1);
}
.book__signal-fill.is-lit { width: var(--pct); }
.book__signal-updated {
  margin-top: .5rem;
  text-align: right;
  font-family: var(--display);
  font-size: .56rem; letter-spacing: .2em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--ice-ghost);
}




/* ---------- First Lines CTA refinement ----------
   Homepage preview now ends on "He pocketed the vial." and offers both reading and signup paths. */
.first-lines__actions {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: .85rem;
  align-items: center;
  margin-top: 1.6rem;
}

.first-lines__actions .first-lines__cta {
  margin-top: 0;
}

.first-lines__cta--secondary {
  background: transparent;
  border: 1px solid rgba(127, 212, 255, .58);
  color: var(--signal-hot);
  text-decoration: none;
  box-shadow: 0 12px 34px -24px var(--signal-glow);
}

.first-lines__cta--secondary:hover {
  border-color: var(--signal-hot);
  color: var(--void);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--signal-hot) -40%, var(--ice) 45%, var(--signal) 100%);
  box-shadow: 0 0 30px var(--signal-glow);
}

@media (max-width: 620px) {
  .first-lines__actions {
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: stretch;
  }
  .first-lines__actions .first-lines__cta {
    width: 100%;
    justify-content: center;
  }
}



/* ---------- Character card hover FX: Li Wei + Eliah ---------- */
.character__image {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  isolation: isolate;
}
.character__poster,
.character__hover,
.character__second,
.character__video {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: opacity .72s ease, transform 1.05s ease, filter .72s ease;
}
.character__poster { z-index: 0; }
.character__hover,
.character__second,
.character__video {
  z-index: 1;
  opacity: 0;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.character:hover .character__poster,
.character:focus-within .character__poster,
.character.is-video-active .character__poster {
  transform: scale(1.018);
  filter: saturate(1.02) contrast(1.035);
}
.character:hover .character__hover,
.character:focus-within .character__hover,
.character.is-video-active .character__hover,
.character:hover .character__video,
.character:focus-within .character__video,
.character.is-video-active .character__video {
  opacity: 1;
}
.character__fx {
  position: absolute;
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 3;
  opacity: 0;
}


/* Astrid: dream -> reflection */
.character--astrid {
  --astrid-ice: rgba(111, 193, 255, .9);
}
.character--astrid .character__image {
  background: radial-gradient(circle at 72% 22%, rgba(80,130,200,.08), transparent 36%), #07111d;
}
.character--astrid .character__hover {
  transition: opacity .78s ease .16s, transform 1.05s ease, filter .78s ease;
}
.character--astrid:hover,
.character--astrid:focus-within {
  border-color: rgba(116, 186, 255, .20);
  box-shadow: 0 24px 60px -42px rgba(88, 162, 245, .22), 0 0 0 1px rgba(116,186,255,.055) inset;
}
.character__fx--astrid-mars {
  left: 97.0%;
  top: 28.6%;
  width: 26px;
  height: 26px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,255,255,.98) 0%, rgba(255,126,92,.95) 28%, rgba(255,70,40,.52) 46%, rgba(255,70,40,0) 74%);
  filter: blur(.35px);
  mix-blend-mode: screen;
  z-index: 2;
}
.character__fx--astrid-trace {
  left: 72.8%;
  top: 47.2%;
  width: 120px;
  height: 68%;
  opacity: 0;
  z-index: 3;
}
.character__fx--astrid-trace::before,
.character__fx--astrid-trace::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  border-radius: 999px;
}
.character__fx--astrid-trace::before {
  width: 14px;
  left: 50%;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(105,190,255,0) 0%, rgba(105,190,255,.12) 16%, rgba(124,214,255,.42) 38%, rgba(171,235,255,.72) 50%, rgba(124,214,255,.34) 64%, rgba(105,190,255,.10) 82%, rgba(105,190,255,0) 100%);
  filter: blur(4px);
}
.character__fx--astrid-trace::after {
  background: radial-gradient(circle at 48% 51%, rgba(178,236,255,.16) 0%, rgba(93,177,255,.06) 22%, rgba(93,177,255,0) 60%);
  transform: scale(.74);
}
.character__fx--astrid-wrist {
  left: 66.3%;
  top: 81.7%;
  width: 34px;
  height: 34px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 1px solid rgba(139,220,255,.52);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(139,220,255,0);
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(209,242,255,.26) 0%, rgba(102,186,255,.12) 42%, rgba(102,186,255,0) 72%);
  z-index: 3;
}
.character--astrid:hover .character__fx--astrid-mars,
.character--astrid.is-card-active .character__fx--astrid-mars,
.character--astrid:focus-within .character__fx--astrid-mars {
  animation: astridMarsGlint 1.15s ease-out 1 forwards;
}
.character--astrid:hover .character__fx--astrid-trace,
.character--astrid.is-card-active .character__fx--astrid-trace,
.character--astrid:focus-within .character__fx--astrid-trace {
  animation: astridTraceReveal 1.5s ease-out .5s 1 forwards;
}
.character--astrid:hover .character__fx--astrid-wrist,
.character--astrid.is-card-active .character__fx--astrid-wrist,
.character--astrid:focus-within .character__fx--astrid-wrist {
  animation: astridWristPulse 1.25s ease-out .96s 1 forwards;
}
@keyframes astridMarsGlint {
  0% { opacity: 0; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(.56); filter: blur(1.2px); }
  18% { opacity: .58; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.12); filter: blur(.4px); }
  36% { opacity: .92; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.36); }
  58% { opacity: .34; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.02); }
  100% { opacity: 0; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(.82); }
}
@keyframes astridTraceReveal {
  0% { opacity: 0; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) translateX(16px) scaleY(.86); }
  34% { opacity: .22; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) translateX(8px) scaleY(.96); }
  56% { opacity: .44; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) translateX(0) scaleY(1.03); }
  78% { opacity: .20; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) translateX(-6px) scaleY(1); }
  100% { opacity: 0; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) translateX(-10px) scaleY(.96); }
}
@keyframes astridWristPulse {
  0% { opacity: 0; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(.62); box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(139,220,255,0); }
  30% { opacity: .34; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.04); box-shadow: 0 0 0 8px rgba(139,220,255,.08); }
  58% { opacity: .44; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.18); box-shadow: 0 0 0 12px rgba(139,220,255,.06); }
  100% { opacity: 0; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.42); box-shadow: 0 0 0 20px rgba(139,220,255,0); }
}

/* Li Wei: controlled threat, no haze sweep. */
.character--li-wei:hover,
.character--li-wei:focus-within {
  border-color: rgba(255, 166, 54, .22);
  box-shadow: 0 24px 60px -42px rgba(255, 166, 54, .27), 0 0 0 1px rgba(255,166,54,.055) inset;
}
.character__fx--socket {
  width: 58px;
  height: 34px;
  border-radius: 50% / 60%;
  mix-blend-mode: screen;
  filter: blur(3.2px);
}
.character__fx--socket::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  left: 50%;
  top: 52%;
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
  width: 22px;
  height: 14px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  filter: blur(.8px);
  opacity: .9;
}
.character__fx--socket-amber {
  background: radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 50%, rgba(255,210,110,.85) 0%, rgba(255,165,45,.42) 28%, rgba(140,70,12,.18) 58%, rgba(0,0,0,0) 78%);
}
.character__fx--socket-amber::after {
  background: radial-gradient(ellipse, rgba(255,235,160,.9) 0%, rgba(255,190,70,0) 70%);
}
.character__fx--li-eye-a { left: 36.9%; top: 29.8%; }
.character__fx--li-eye-b { left: 50.2%; top: 28.0%; width: 62px; height: 36px; }
.character--li-wei:hover .character__fx--socket-amber,
.character--li-wei:focus-within .character__fx--socket-amber {
  animation: liWeiSocketBreath 5.6s ease-in-out infinite;
}
.character--li-wei:hover .character__fx--li-eye-b,
.character--li-wei:focus-within .character__fx--li-eye-b {
  animation-delay: .42s;
}
@keyframes liWeiSocketBreath {
  0%, 68%, 100% { opacity: 0; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(.88) rotate(-2deg); filter: blur(4px); }
  78% { opacity: .20; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1) rotate(0deg); filter: blur(3.2px); }
  84% { opacity: .36; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.08) rotate(1deg); filter: blur(2.6px); }
  91% { opacity: .16; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.02); }
}
.character__fx--wrist-dot {
  width: 13px;
  height: 13px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, #c8f0ff 0%, #3fb8ff 28%, #1e7bff 56%, rgba(0,0,0,0) 78%);
  box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(63,184,255,.95), 0 0 20px rgba(30,123,255,.55);
}
.character__fx--wrist-ring {
  width: 26px;
  height: 26px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 1px solid rgba(110,200,255,.68);
}
.character__fx--li-wrist { left: 31.2%; top: 84.4%; }
.character--li-wei:hover .character__fx--wrist-dot,
.character--li-wei:focus-within .character__fx--wrist-dot {
  animation: liWeiWristBeat 2.15s ease-in-out infinite;
}
.character--li-wei:hover .character__fx--wrist-ring,
.character--li-wei:focus-within .character__fx--wrist-ring {
  animation: liWeiRingOut 2.15s ease-out infinite;
}
@keyframes liWeiWristBeat {
  0%, 100% { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(.92); opacity: .82; }
  50% { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.16); opacity: 1; }
}
@keyframes liWeiRingOut {
  0% { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(.58); opacity: .62; }
  100% { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.9); opacity: 0; }
}
.character__fx--collar-glint {
  width: 2.4px;
  height: 2.4px;
  background: #fff;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px rgba(255,255,255,.95), 0 0 7px 3px rgba(255,255,255,.82), 0 0 16px 7px rgba(180,220,255,.38);
}
.character__fx--li-collar { left: 44.0%; top: 53.5%; }
.character--li-wei:hover .character__fx--collar-glint,
.character--li-wei:focus-within .character__fx--collar-glint {
  animation: liWeiCollarGlint 8.8s ease-in-out infinite;
}
@keyframes liWeiCollarGlint {
  0%, 86%, 100% { opacity: 0; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(45deg) scale(.12); }
  90% { opacity: 1; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(45deg) scale(1.26); }
  94% { opacity: .18; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(45deg) scale(1); }
}

/* Eliah: public whites giving way to the pilot. */
.character--eliah-romander:hover,
.character--eliah-romander:focus-within {
  border-color: rgba(100, 220, 255, .20);
  box-shadow: 0 24px 60px -42px rgba(80, 205, 255, .25), 0 0 0 1px rgba(80,205,255,.055) inset;
}
.character--eliah-romander .character__hover {
  filter: brightness(.94) saturate(1.05) contrast(1.03);
}
.character--eliah-romander:hover .character__poster,
.character--eliah-romander:focus-within .character__poster {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: scale(1.04);
}
.character__fx--socket-cyan {
  background: radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 50%, rgba(120,230,255,0) 0%, rgba(80,200,255,0) 35%, rgba(0,0,0,0) 75%);
}
.character__fx--socket-cyan::after {
  background: radial-gradient(ellipse, rgba(190,245,255,.88) 0%, rgba(80,210,255,0) 70%);
}
.character__fx--eliah-eye-a { left: 51.1%; top: 34.3%; }
.character__fx--eliah-eye-b { left: 63.9%; top: 34.4%; }
.character--eliah-romander:hover .character__fx--socket-cyan,
.character--eliah-romander:focus-within .character__fx--socket-cyan {
  animation: eliahSocketFlare 2.4s ease-in-out forwards;
}
.character--eliah-romander:hover .character__fx--eliah-eye-b,
.character--eliah-romander:focus-within .character__fx--eliah-eye-b {
  animation-delay: .12s;
}
@keyframes eliahSocketFlare {
  0% { opacity: 0; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(.82); filter: blur(4px); }
  18% { opacity: .72; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.08); background: radial-gradient(ellipse, rgba(120,230,255,.86) 0%, rgba(80,200,255,.40) 32%, rgba(20,90,140,.16) 68%, transparent 78%); filter: blur(2.6px); }
  36% { opacity: .42; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.12); }
  62% { opacity: .18; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1); }
  100% { opacity: 0; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(.9); }
}

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .character__hover,
  .character__video,
  .character__fx {
    display: none !important;
  }
}

/* ---------- Character card tap/click phases ---------- */
.character__second {
  z-index: 2;
  opacity: 0;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.character.is-card-active .character__poster,
.character.is-card-phase-2 .character__poster {
  transform: scale(1.018);
  filter: saturate(1.02) contrast(1.035);
}
.character.is-card-active .character__hover {
  opacity: 1;
}
.character.is-card-phase-2 .character__hover {
  opacity: 0;
}
.character.is-card-phase-2 .character__second {
  opacity: 1;
}
.character:focus-visible {
  outline: 1px solid rgba(144, 212, 255, .65);
  outline-offset: 4px;
}
/* Do not let mobile focus behave like sticky hover. Click/tap controls the persistent state. */
.character:focus-within:not(:hover):not(.is-card-active):not(.is-card-phase-2) .character__hover,
.character:focus-within:not(:hover):not(.is-card-active):not(.is-card-phase-2) .character__second {
  opacity: 0;
}
.character:focus-within:not(:hover):not(.is-card-active):not(.is-card-phase-2) .character__poster {
  transform: none;
  filter: none;
}
.character--astrid.is-card-active .character__hover {
  opacity: 1;
}
.character--astrid.is-card-phase-2 .character__second {
  opacity: 1;
}
.character--astrid.is-card-phase-2 .character__hover,
.character--astrid.is-card-phase-2 .character__fx--astrid-mars {
  opacity: 0;
}
.character--astrid.is-card-phase-2 .character__fx--astrid-trace {
  animation: astridTraceReveal 1.5s ease-out .15s 1 forwards;
}
.character--astrid.is-card-phase-2 .character__fx--astrid-wrist {
  animation: astridWristPulse 1.25s ease-out .55s 1 forwards;
}
.character--eliah-romander.is-card-active .character__poster {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: scale(1.04);
}
.character--eliah-romander.is-card-active .character__hover {
  opacity: 1;
}
.character--eliah-romander.is-card-active .character__fx--socket-cyan {
  animation: eliahSocketFlare 2.4s ease-in-out forwards;
}
.character--eliah-romander.is-card-active .character__fx--eliah-eye-b {
  animation-delay: .12s;
}
.character--aethan.is-card-active {
  border-color: rgba(185, 150, 255, .20);
  box-shadow: 0 24px 60px -42px rgba(185, 150, 255, .20), 0 0 0 1px rgba(185,150,255,.05) inset;
}
.character--aethan.is-card-phase-2 {
  border-color: rgba(97, 238, 178, .22);
  box-shadow: 0 24px 60px -42px rgba(97, 238, 178, .18), 0 0 0 1px rgba(97,238,178,.05) inset;
}
.character--aethan.is-card-active .character__poster,
.character--aethan.is-card-phase-2 .character__poster {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: scale(1.03);
}
.character--aethan.is-card-active .character__hover {
  opacity: 1;
}
.character--aethan.is-card-phase-2 .character__hover {
  opacity: 0;
}
.character--aethan.is-card-phase-2 .character__second {
  opacity: 1;
}
.character--aethan:hover,
.character--aethan:focus-within {
  border-color: rgba(171, 149, 255, .18);
}
.character__fx--aethan-eye-ring,
.character__fx--aethan-scan {
  left: 39.6%;
  top: 31.6%;
  width: 102px;
  height: 102px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(.82);
  mix-blend-mode: screen;
}
.character__fx--aethan-eye-ring {
  border: 1px solid rgba(185, 150, 255, 0.0);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(185, 150, 255, 0.0);
}
.character__fx--aethan-eye-ring::before,
.character__fx--aethan-eye-ring::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  border-radius: 50%;
}
.character__fx--aethan-eye-ring::before {
  inset: 10px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(203, 177, 255, 0.22);
}
.character__fx--aethan-eye-ring::after {
  inset: 24px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(160, 255, 217, 0.0);
}
.character__fx--aethan-scan {
  border: 1px solid rgba(147, 255, 218, 0.0);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(147, 255, 218, 0.0), inset 0 0 22px rgba(147, 255, 218, 0.0);
}
.character__fx--aethan-collar {
  left: 57.5%;
  top: 78.2%;
  width: 122px;
  height: 18px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(-67deg) scaleX(.55);
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(175,146,255,0), rgba(175,146,255,.72) 52%, rgba(145,255,219,.0) 100%);
  filter: blur(7px);
  mix-blend-mode: screen;
}
.character--aethan.is-card-active {
  border-color: rgba(145, 255, 219, .18);
  box-shadow: 0 24px 60px -42px rgba(145, 255, 219, .18), 0 0 0 1px rgba(145,255,219,.04) inset;
}
.character--aethan.is-card-active .character__poster {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: scale(1.03);
}
.character--aethan.is-card-active .character__hover {
  opacity: 1;
}
.character--aethan.is-card-active .character__fx--aethan-eye-ring {
  animation: aethanApertureTighten .78s var(--ease) forwards;
}
.character--aethan.is-card-active .character__fx--aethan-scan {
  animation: aethanScanPulse 1.05s ease-out .26s 1 forwards;
}
.character--aethan.is-card-active .character__fx--aethan-collar {
  animation: aethanCollarShift 1.05s ease-out .14s 1 forwards;
}
@keyframes aethanApertureTighten {
  0% {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.08);
    border-color: rgba(191, 158, 255, 0.0);
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(191, 158, 255, 0.0);
  }
  18% {
    opacity: .7;
    border-color: rgba(191, 158, 255, .28);
    box-shadow: 0 0 18px rgba(191, 158, 255, .16);
  }
  55% {
    opacity: .82;
    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(.94);
    border-color: rgba(191, 158, 255, .12);
  }
  100% {
    opacity: .18;
    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(.88);
    border-color: rgba(145, 255, 219, .10);
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 rgba(145,255,219,0);
  }
}
@keyframes aethanScanPulse {
  0% {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(.58);
    border-color: rgba(145,255,219,0);
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(145,255,219,0), inset 0 0 0 rgba(145,255,219,0);
  }
  28% {
    opacity: .78;
    border-color: rgba(145,255,219,.38);
    box-shadow: 0 0 14px rgba(145,255,219,.28), inset 0 0 20px rgba(145,255,219,.10);
  }
  70% {
    opacity: .34;
    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.08);
    border-color: rgba(145,255,219,.12);
    box-shadow: 0 0 28px rgba(145,255,219,.18), inset 0 0 30px rgba(145,255,219,.06);
  }
  100% {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.26);
    border-color: rgba(145,255,219,0);
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(145,255,219,0), inset 0 0 0 rgba(145,255,219,0);
  }
}
@keyframes aethanCollarShift {
  0% {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(-67deg) scaleX(.45);
  }
  38% {
    opacity: .82;
    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(-67deg) scaleX(.95);
  }
  100% {
    opacity: .28;
    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(-67deg) scaleX(.76);
  }
}
.character--li-wei.is-card-active {
  border-color: rgba(255, 166, 54, .22);
  box-shadow: 0 24px 60px -42px rgba(255, 166, 54, .27), 0 0 0 1px rgba(255,166,54,.055) inset;
}
.character--li-wei.is-card-active .character__fx--socket-amber {
  animation: liWeiSocketBreath 5.6s ease-in-out infinite;
}
.character--li-wei.is-card-active .character__fx--li-eye-b {
  animation-delay: .42s;
}
.character--li-wei.is-card-active .character__fx--wrist-dot {
  animation: liWeiWristBeat 2.15s ease-in-out infinite;
}
.character--li-wei.is-card-active .character__fx--wrist-ring {
  animation: liWeiRingOut 2.15s ease-out infinite;
}
.character--li-wei.is-card-active .character__fx--collar-glint {
  animation: liWeiCollarGlint 8.8s ease-in-out infinite;
}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .character__second { display: none !important; }
}

/* ========== MOBILE FOOTER + SIGNAL POLISH (v37) ========== */
@media (max-width: 860px) {
  .newsletter {
    width: 100%;
    padding: 4.5rem max(1rem, env(safe-area-inset-left)) 5.25rem max(1rem, env(safe-area-inset-right));
  }

  .newsletter__inner {
    width: 100%;
    min-width: 0;
    padding: 3rem 1.25rem;
  }

  .newsletter__alt {
    line-height: 1.7;
    overflow-wrap: anywhere;
  }

  .newsletter__alt-link {
    display: block;
    width: max-content;
    max-width: 100%;
    min-height: 44px;
    margin: .55rem auto 0;
    padding: .45rem .15rem;
  }

  .footer {
    width: 100%;
    min-width: 0;
    grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr);
    justify-items: center;
    gap: 1.35rem;
    padding: 3.25rem max(1.15rem, env(safe-area-inset-left)) calc(3.5rem + env(safe-area-inset-bottom)) max(1.15rem, env(safe-area-inset-right));
    text-align: center;
  }

  .footer > * {
    min-width: 0;
    max-width: 100%;
  }

  .footer__brand {
    font-size: clamp(.92rem, 4.6vw, 1.08rem);
    letter-spacing: .13em;
    line-height: 1.35;
  }

  .footer__population {
    width: 100%;
    max-width: 24rem;
    font-size: .62rem;
    letter-spacing: .14em;
    line-height: 1.7;
    white-space: normal;
    overflow-wrap: anywhere;
  }

  .footer__population [data-population] {
    display: block;
    margin-top: .25rem;
    color: var(--ice-dim);
  }

  .footer__social {
    width: min(100%, 24rem);
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));
    gap: .35rem .8rem;
    justify-self: center;
  }

  .footer__social a {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    min-width: 0;
    min-height: 44px;
    padding: .55rem .25rem;
    font-size: .68rem;
    letter-spacing: .15em;
    overflow-wrap: anywhere;
  }

  .footer__meta {
    width: 100%;
    max-width: 24rem;
    align-items: center;
    gap: .45rem;
    line-height: 1.65;
    text-align: center;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .nav {
    padding-left: max(1rem, env(safe-area-inset-left));
    padding-right: max(1rem, env(safe-area-inset-right));
  }

  .nav__brand {
    min-width: 0;
    gap: .65rem;
    font-size: clamp(.82rem, 4.25vw, 1rem);
    letter-spacing: .11em;
  }

  .nav__mark {
    width: 24px;
    height: 24px;
    flex: 0 0 auto;
  }

  .newsletter__inner {
    padding: 2.65rem 1rem;
  }

  .footer__social {
    gap: .2rem .45rem;
  }

  .footer__social a {
    font-size: .64rem;
    letter-spacing: .12em;
  }
}

/* v50: quiet entry to the free story; no change to hero composition. */
.free-story-link{margin:1.5rem 0;position:relative;z-index:1;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.6}.free-story-link a{display:inline-block;min-height:44px;padding:.6rem 0;color:var(--ice,#7fd4ff);text-underline-offset:.2em}.free-story-link span{display:block;font-size:.85rem;color:#a9b6c5}