:root {
    --ivory:        #F7F2EA;
    --ivory-deep:   #EFE7D8;
    --champagne:    #E8D9BF;
    --gold:         #B8924A;
    --gold-light:   #D4AF72;
    --gold-pale:    #F0E6CF;
    --obsidian:     #1A1714;
    --obsidian-soft:#2C2620;
    --warm-mid:     #6B5E4E;
    --warm-light:   #9A8E82;
    --white:        #FDFAF5;
    --font-display: 'Cormorant Garamond', Georgia, serif;
    --font-body:    'Jost', system-ui, sans-serif;
    --max-w: 1240px;
    --section-v: 130px;
    --ease-out: cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  }

  *, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
  html { scroll-behavior: smooth; }
  html.smooth { scroll-behavior: auto; }
  body {
    background: var(--ivory);
    color: var(--obsidian);
    font-family: var(--font-body);
    font-weight: 300;
    line-height: 1.7;
    -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
    overflow-x: hidden;
  }
  img { display: block; max-width: 100%; }
  a { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; }
  ::selection { background: var(--gold-light); color: var(--obsidian); }

  .container { width: min(var(--max-w), 100%); margin-inline: auto; padding-inline: 48px; }
  .eyebrow {
    font-family: var(--font-body);
    font-size: 0.68rem; font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: 0.24em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--gold);
  }
  .gold-rule { display: block; width: 60px; height: 1px; background: var(--gold); margin: 0 auto; }
  .script-accent {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-style: italic;
    font-weight: 400;
    color: var(--gold);
    text-transform: none;
    letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  }

  a:focus-visible, button:focus-visible, input:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid var(--gold); outline-offset: 3px; }

  /* ═══════════ SMOOTH SCROLL SCAFFOLD ═══════════ */
  html.smooth #smooth-wrapper {
    position: fixed;
    inset: 0;
    overflow: hidden;
  }
  html.smooth #smooth-content { will-change: transform; }

  /* ═══════════ PRELOADER ═══════════ */
  #preloader {
    position: fixed;
    inset: 0;
    z-index: 2000;
    pointer-events: none;
  }
  .preloader-half {
    position: absolute;
    left: 0; width: 100%; height: 50.5%;
    background: var(--ivory);
    transition: transform 1.1s var(--ease-out);
  }
  .preloader-half.top { top: 0; }
  .preloader-half.bottom { bottom: 0; }
  #preloader.done .preloader-half.top { transform: translateY(-101%); }
  #preloader.done .preloader-half.bottom { transform: translateY(101%); }

  .preloader-center {
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    gap: 34px;
    transition: opacity 0.5s ease;
  }
  #preloader.done .preloader-center { opacity: 0; }
  .preloader-logo {
    width: min(180px, 44vw);
    border-radius: 50%;
    box-shadow: 0 10px 40px rgba(184,146,74,0.25);
    opacity: 0;
    animation: preloaderLogoIn 1.2s ease 0.15s forwards;
  }
  @keyframes preloaderLogoIn { to { opacity: 0.9; } }
  .preloader-count {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-weight: 300;
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    letter-spacing: 0.3em;
    color: var(--gold);
    display: flex;
    align-items: baseline;
    gap: 2px;
  }
  .preloader-line {
    width: 120px; height: 1px;
    background: var(--champagne);
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
  }
  .preloader-line::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    background: var(--gold);
    transform: scaleX(var(--p, 0));
    transform-origin: left;
  }

  /* ═══════════ NAV ═══════════ */
  nav {
    position: fixed;
    top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
    z-index: 100;
    padding: 24px 0;
    transition: background 0.5s, padding 0.4s, box-shadow 0.4s;
  }
  nav.scrolled {
    background: rgba(247, 242, 234, 0.96);
    padding: 14px 0;
    box-shadow: 0 1px 0 var(--champagne);
    backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  }
  .nav-inner { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; }
  .nav-logo img {
    height: 54px;
    width: 54px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    object-fit: cover;
    box-shadow: 0 2px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.28);
    transition: height 0.4s, width 0.4s, box-shadow 0.4s;
  }
  nav.scrolled .nav-logo img { height: 44px; width: 44px; box-shadow: 0 1px 8px rgba(26,23,20,0.12); }
  .nav-links { display: flex; gap: 34px; list-style: none; align-items: center; }
  .nav-links li { display: flex; align-items: center; }
  .nav-links > li > a { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; line-height: 1; }
  .nav-links .roll-clip { line-height: 1; }
  .nav-links a {
    font-size: 0.7rem; font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: 0.14em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: rgba(253, 250, 245, 0.88);
    transition: color 0.25s;
    text-shadow: 0 1px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.4);
  }
  nav.scrolled .nav-links a { color: var(--warm-mid); text-shadow: none; }
  .nav-links a:hover { color: var(--gold-light); }
  nav.scrolled .nav-links a:hover { color: var(--gold); }
  .nav-cta {
    color: var(--ivory) !important;
    background: rgba(184, 146, 74, 0.9);
    padding: 12px 24px;
    font-size: 0.66rem !important;
    font-weight: 600 !important;
    letter-spacing: 0.18em !important;
    transition: background 0.25s !important;
    text-shadow: none !important;
  }
  nav.scrolled .nav-cta { background: var(--obsidian); }
  .nav-cta:hover { background: var(--gold) !important; color: var(--ivory) !important; }
  .nav-hamburger { display: none; cursor: pointer; flex-direction: column; gap: 6px; padding: 8px; background: none; border: none; z-index: 130; }
  .nav-hamburger span { display: block; width: 26px; height: 1px; background: var(--white); transition: all 0.35s; }
  nav.scrolled .nav-hamburger span { background: var(--obsidian); }
  .nav-hamburger.open span:nth-child(1) { transform: translateY(7px) rotate(45deg); background: var(--obsidian); }
  .nav-hamburger.open span:nth-child(2) { opacity: 0; }
  .nav-hamburger.open span:nth-child(3) { transform: translateY(-7px) rotate(-45deg); background: var(--obsidian); }

  /* ── link roll effect ── */
  .roll-clip { display: inline-block; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: top; }
  .roll .roll-stack {
    display: block;
    position: relative;
    transition: transform 0.45s var(--ease-out);
  }
  .roll .roll-stack > span { display: block; }
  .roll .roll-stack > span + span { position: absolute; top: 100%; left: 0; width: 100%; white-space: nowrap; }
  .roll:hover .roll-stack, a:hover > .roll-clip .roll-stack { transform: translateY(-100%); }

  /* ═══════════ HERO ═══════════ */
  #hero {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100vh;
    min-height: 700px;
    overflow: hidden;
  }
  .hero-bg {
    position: absolute;
    inset: -6%;
    width: 112%; height: 112%;
    background-image: url('../images/emma_hero-image.jpg');
    background-size: cover;
    background-position: 55% 32%;
    will-change: transform, background-position;
  }
  body.ready .hero-bg { animation: kenBurns 24s ease-in-out forwards; }
  @keyframes kenBurns {
    0%   { background-size: 115%; background-position: 55% 32%; }
    100% { background-size: 105%; background-position: 50% 29%; }
  }
  /* darker overlay for stronger text contrast */
  .hero-bg::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    background:
      linear-gradient(to right,
        rgba(8, 6, 4, 0.82) 0%,
        rgba(8, 6, 4, 0.62) 42%,
        rgba(8, 6, 4, 0.32) 75%,
        rgba(8, 6, 4, 0.20) 100%),
      linear-gradient(to top,
        rgba(8, 6, 4, 0.60) 0%,
        rgba(8, 6, 4, 0.10) 45%,
        rgba(8, 6, 4, 0.16) 100%);
  }
  #hero-ray { position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: 2; pointer-events: none; overflow: hidden; }
  #hero-ray::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: -20%; left: -40%;
    width: 35%; height: 200%;
    background: linear-gradient(105deg, transparent 0%, rgba(212,175,114,0.04) 30%, rgba(212,175,114,0.11) 50%, rgba(212,175,114,0.04) 70%, transparent 100%);
    transform: skewX(-12deg);
    animation: rayDrift 18s ease-in-out 1.5s infinite alternate;
  }
  #hero-ray::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: -20%; left: -70%;
    width: 18%; height: 200%;
    background: linear-gradient(105deg, transparent 0%, rgba(212,175,114,0.03) 40%, rgba(212,175,114,0.07) 50%, rgba(212,175,114,0.03) 60%, transparent 100%);
    transform: skewX(-12deg);
    animation: rayDrift2 26s ease-in-out 3.5s infinite alternate;
  }
  @keyframes rayDrift  { 0% { left: -40%; opacity: 0; } 6% { opacity: 1; } 94% { opacity: 1; } 100% { left: 110%; opacity: 0; } }
  @keyframes rayDrift2 { 0% { left: -70%; opacity: 0; } 10% { opacity: 1; } 90% { opacity: 1; } 100% { left: 120%; opacity: 0; } }
  #hero-vignette {
    position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: 2; pointer-events: none;
    background: radial-gradient(ellipse at center, transparent 42%, rgba(8,6,4,0.4) 100%);
    animation: vignetteBreathe 9s ease-in-out 2s infinite alternate;
  }
  @keyframes vignetteBreathe { from { opacity: 0.75; } to { opacity: 1; } }
  #hero-glow {
    position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: 2; pointer-events: none;
    background: radial-gradient(ellipse 55% 65% at 72% 38%, rgba(184,146,74,0.09) 0%, transparent 70%);
  }
  #hero-particles {
    position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: 3; pointer-events: none;
    width: 100%; height: 100%;
    opacity: 0;
  }
  body.ready #hero-particles { animation: fadeInCanvas 2s ease 1.6s forwards; }
  @keyframes fadeInCanvas { to { opacity: 1; } }

  .hero-content {
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    z-index: 3;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: center;
    padding: 120px clamp(28px, 3.5vw, 52px) 80px;
    max-width: 880px;
    margin: 0;
  }
  .hero-eyebrow { margin-bottom: 30px; opacity: 0; }
  body.ready .hero-eyebrow { animation: fadeUp 0.9s ease 0.25s forwards; }
  .hero-eyebrow .eyebrow { color: var(--gold-light); }

  .hero-headline {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: clamp(3rem, 6.8vw, 6.4rem);
    font-weight: 300;
    line-height: 1.06;
    letter-spacing: -0.01em;
    color: var(--white);
    text-shadow: 0 2px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.7), 0 1px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
  }
  .hero-headline em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold-light); font-weight: 300; }
  /* word-level mask reveal */
  .hero-headline .w-mask { display: inline-block; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: bottom; padding-bottom: 0.12em; margin-bottom: -0.12em; }
  .hero-headline .w {
    display: inline-block;
    transform: translateY(115%);
    opacity: 0;
  }
  body.ready .hero-headline .w {
    animation: wordUp 1.1s var(--ease-out) forwards;
    animation-delay: calc(0.45s + var(--i) * 0.09s);
  }
  @keyframes wordUp { to { transform: translateY(0); opacity: 1; } }

  .hero-divider { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 20px; margin: 36px 0; opacity: 0; }
  body.ready .hero-divider { animation: fadeUp 1s ease 1.15s forwards; }
  .hero-divider-line { height: 1px; background: linear-gradient(to right, var(--gold), transparent); flex: 1; max-width: 80px; }
  .hero-divider-diamond { width: 6px; height: 6px; border: 1px solid var(--gold-light); transform: rotate(45deg); }

  .hero-sub {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: clamp(1.05rem, 1.8vw, 1.4rem);
    font-weight: 300; font-style: italic;
    color: rgba(247, 242, 234, 0.94);
    text-shadow: 0 1px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.6);
    max-width: 520px;
    line-height: 1.7;
    opacity: 0;
  }
  body.ready .hero-sub { animation: fadeUp 1s ease 1.3s forwards; }

  .hero-actions { display: flex; gap: 16px; margin-top: 48px; flex-wrap: wrap; opacity: 0; }
  body.ready .hero-actions { animation: fadeUp 1s ease 1.5s forwards; }

  .btn-primary {
    font-size: 0.68rem; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.2em;
    text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--ivory);
    background: var(--gold); padding: 17px 38px;
    border: 1px solid var(--gold);
    transition: background 0.25s, border-color 0.25s;
    display: inline-block;
    cursor: pointer;
  }
  .btn-primary:hover { background: var(--gold-light); border-color: var(--gold-light); }
  .btn-ghost-hero {
    font-size: 0.68rem; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: 0.2em;
    text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--white);
    background: transparent; padding: 17px 38px;
    border: 1px solid rgba(247, 242, 234, 0.45);
    transition: border-color 0.25s, color 0.25s;
    display: inline-block;
  }
  .btn-ghost-hero:hover { border-color: var(--gold-light); color: var(--gold-light); }
  .btn-gold {
    font-size: 0.68rem; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.2em;
    text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--gold);
    padding: 15px 34px; border: 1px solid var(--gold);
    display: inline-block;
    transition: background 0.25s, color 0.25s;
  }
  .btn-gold:hover { background: var(--gold); color: var(--ivory); }
  .btn-ghost-light {
    font-size: 0.66rem; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: 0.18em;
    text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--gold-light);
    padding: 14px 30px; border: 1px solid rgba(212,175,114,0.4);
    display: inline-block;
    transition: border-color 0.25s, background 0.25s, color 0.25s;
  }
  .btn-ghost-light:hover { border-color: var(--gold-light); background: rgba(212,175,114,0.08); }

  .hero-scroll {
    position: absolute;
    bottom: 36px; right: 48px;
    display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; gap: 10px;
    z-index: 4;
    opacity: 0;
  }
  body.ready .hero-scroll { animation: fadeUp 1s ease 2.1s forwards; }
  .hero-scroll span {
    font-size: 0.58rem; letter-spacing: 0.25em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: rgba(247, 242, 234, 0.55);
    writing-mode: vertical-rl;
  }
  .scroll-line {
    width: 1px; height: 48px;
    background: linear-gradient(to bottom, var(--gold-light), transparent);
    animation: scrollPulse 2.5s ease-in-out 2.5s infinite;
  }
  @keyframes scrollPulse { 0%, 100% { opacity: 1; transform: scaleY(1); } 50% { opacity: 0.4; transform: scaleY(0.75); } }
  @keyframes fadeUp { from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(22px); } to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); } }

  /* ═══════════ PRESS ═══════════ */
  #press { padding: 38px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--champagne); background: var(--ivory-deep); }
  .press-inner { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: 56px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
  .press-label { font-size: 0.6rem; letter-spacing: 0.22em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--warm-light); white-space: nowrap; }
  .press-logos { display: flex; gap: 44px; align-items: center; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; }
  .press-item { font-family: var(--font-display); font-size: 1.05rem; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: 0.08em; color: var(--warm-light); text-transform: uppercase; }
  .press-sep { color: var(--gold-light); font-size: 0.55rem; }

  /* ═══════════ SHARED SECTION TYPE ═══════════ */
  .section-heading {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.6vw, 3.3rem);
    font-weight: 300;
    line-height: 1.18;
    color: var(--obsidian);
  }
  .section-heading em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold); }
  /* word mask reveal for section headings */
  .wsplit .w-mask { display: inline-block; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: bottom; padding-bottom: 0.14em; margin-bottom: -0.14em; }
  .wsplit .w { display: inline-block; transform: translateY(115%); opacity: 0; }
  .wsplit.in-view .w {
    animation: wordUp 1s var(--ease-out) forwards;
    animation-delay: calc(var(--i) * 0.07s);
  }

  /* ═══════════ PHILOSOPHY ═══════════ */
  #philosophy { padding: var(--section-v) 0 100px; }
  .philosophy-header { text-align: center; margin-bottom: 40px; }
  .philosophy-header .eyebrow { margin-bottom: 22px; display: block; }
  .philosophy-sub {
    font-size: 0.95rem; color: var(--warm-mid);
    max-width: 520px; margin: 24px auto 0; line-height: 1.85;
  }
  .philosophy-pillars {
    display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    gap: 2px; background: var(--champagne); margin-top: 72px;
  }
  .pillar {
    background: var(--ivory);
    padding: 76px 48px 60px;
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
    transition: background 0.35s;
  }
  .pillar:hover { background: var(--white); }
  /* SSI ghost numeral behind the word */
  .pillar-ghost {
    position: absolute;
    top: 26px; right: 30px;
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-weight: 300;
    font-size: 8.5rem;
    line-height: 0.8;
    color: var(--gold-pale);
    z-index: 0;
    transition: color 0.4s, transform 0.6s var(--ease-out);
    pointer-events: none;
  }
  .pillar:hover .pillar-ghost { color: var(--champagne); transform: translateY(-6px); }
  .pillar-rule { display: block; width: 0; height: 2px; background: var(--gold); margin-bottom: 28px; transition: width 0.5s ease; position: relative; z-index: 1; }
  .pillar:hover .pillar-rule { width: 40px; }
  .pillar-title {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: 1.7rem; font-weight: 400;
    margin-bottom: 18px;
    position: relative; z-index: 1;
  }
  .pillar-title em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold); }
  .pillar-desc { font-size: 0.9rem; color: var(--warm-mid); line-height: 1.85; position: relative; z-index: 1; }

  /* ═══════════ ABOUT BRIDGE — layered imagery ═══════════ */
  #about-bridge { padding: var(--section-v) 0; background: var(--ivory-deep); overflow: hidden; }
  .about-bridge-inner {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.05fr;
    gap: clamp(56px, 7vw, 110px);
    align-items: center;
  }
  /* layered offset image, SSI-style */
  .layered-media { position: relative; padding: 48px 48px 0 0; }
  .layered-media::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: 0; right: 0;
    width: 78%; height: 82%;
    background: var(--obsidian);
    opacity: 0.92;
  }
  .layered-media::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    bottom: -26px; left: -26px;
    width: 40%; height: 45%;
    border: 1px solid var(--gold-light);
    z-index: 0;
  }
  .layered-media .media-frame {
    position: relative;
    z-index: 1;
    overflow: hidden;
    aspect-ratio: 4 / 5;
  }
  .media-frame { overflow: hidden; position: relative; }
  .media-frame img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; }
  /* clip reveal + inner scale (Vero) */
  .clip-reveal { clip-path: inset(100% 0 0 0); transition: clip-path 1.4s var(--ease-out); }
  .clip-reveal img { transform: scale(1.16); transition: transform 1.8s var(--ease-out); }
  .clip-reveal.in-view { clip-path: inset(0 0 0 0); }
  .clip-reveal.in-view img { transform: scale(1); }
  /* inner parallax hook */
  .plx img { will-change: transform; }

  .about-quote {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 2.4vw, 2.1rem);
    font-weight: 300; font-style: italic;
    line-height: 1.45;
    color: var(--obsidian-soft);
    border: none;
  }
  .about-quote em { color: var(--gold); }
  .about-quote-attr {
    margin-top: 22px;
    font-size: 0.68rem; font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--warm-light);
  }
  .about-body-text .eyebrow { display: block; margin: 44px 0 20px; }
  .about-body-text p { font-size: 0.94rem; color: var(--warm-mid); line-height: 1.9; margin-bottom: 18px; }
  .about-body-text .btn-gold { margin-top: 16px; }

  /* ═══════════ SERVICES ═══════════ */
  #services { padding: var(--section-v) 0; }
  .services-header { text-align: center; margin-bottom: 72px; }
  .services-header .eyebrow { display: block; margin-bottom: 20px; }
  .services-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 2px; background: var(--champagne); }
  .services-grid-bottom { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 2px; background: var(--champagne); margin-top: 2px; }
  .service-card {
    background: var(--ivory);
    padding: 60px 52px;
    position: relative;
    transition: background 0.35s;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: flex-start;
  }
  .service-card::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: 0; left: 52px;
    width: 0; height: 2px;
    background: var(--gold);
    transition: width 0.55s var(--ease-out);
  }
  .service-card:hover { background: var(--white); }
  .service-card:hover::before { width: 64px; }
  .service-tag {
    font-size: 0.62rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.22em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--gold);
    margin-bottom: 22px;
  }
  .service-name {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: 1.65rem; font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.25;
    margin-bottom: 18px;
  }
  .service-name em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold); }
  .service-desc { font-size: 0.88rem; color: var(--warm-mid); line-height: 1.85; margin-bottom: 28px; flex: 1; }
  .service-link {
    font-size: 0.66rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--obsidian);
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--gold);
    padding-bottom: 5px;
    transition: color 0.25s;
  }
  .service-link:hover { color: var(--gold); }

  /* ═══════════ BOOK ═══════════ */
  #book { padding: var(--section-v) 0; background: var(--obsidian); position: relative; overflow: hidden; }
  #book::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: -20%; right: -10%;
    width: 55%; height: 140%;
    background: radial-gradient(ellipse, rgba(184,146,74,0.08) 0%, transparent 65%);
    pointer-events: none;
  }
  .book-inner {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 0.85fr 1.15fr;
    gap: clamp(56px, 7vw, 110px);
    align-items: center;
  }
  .book-cover-wrap { position: relative; display: flex; justify-content: center; }
  .book-cover-deco {
    position: absolute;
    top: 26px; left: calc(50% - 150px - 26px);
    width: 300px; height: 100%;
    border: 1px solid rgba(212,175,114,0.35);
    pointer-events: none;
  }
  .book-cover-img {
    position: relative;
    z-index: 1;
    width: 300px;
    box-shadow: 0 30px 80px rgba(0,0,0,0.55), 0 6px 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.4);
    transition: transform 1s var(--ease-out);
  }
  .book-cover-wrap:hover .book-cover-img { transform: translateY(-10px) rotate(-1deg); }
  .book-content .eyebrow { color: var(--gold-light); display: block; margin-bottom: 24px; }
  .book-heading {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.4vw, 3.1rem);
    font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.2;
    color: var(--white);
    margin-bottom: 28px;
  }
  .book-heading em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold-light); }
  .book-desc { font-size: 0.93rem; color: rgba(247,242,234,0.7); line-height: 1.9; margin-bottom: 18px; max-width: 520px; }
  .book-quote {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-style: italic; font-weight: 300;
    font-size: 1.15rem;
    color: var(--gold-light);
    border-left: 1px solid var(--gold);
    padding-left: 24px;
    margin: 30px 0 36px;
    max-width: 480px;
    line-height: 1.6;
  }
  .book-actions { display: flex; gap: 16px; flex-wrap: wrap; }

  /* ═══════════ TESTIMONIAL ═══════════ */
  #testimonial { padding: var(--section-v) 0; background: var(--ivory); text-align: center; }
  .testimonial-quote {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: clamp(1.4rem, 2.4vw, 2rem);
    font-weight: 300; font-style: italic;
    line-height: 1.55;
    color: var(--obsidian-soft);
    max-width: 860px;
    margin: 44px auto 0;
    border: none;
    transition: opacity 0.5s ease, transform 0.5s ease;
  }
  .testimonial-quote em { color: var(--gold); }
  .testimonial-quote.switching { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(12px); }
  .testimonial-attr {
    margin-top: 34px;
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: 0.06em;
    transition: opacity 0.5s ease;
  }
  .testimonial-role {
    margin-top: 6px;
    font-size: 0.64rem; font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--warm-light);
    transition: opacity 0.5s ease;
  }
  .testimonial-attr.switching, .testimonial-role.switching { opacity: 0; }
  .testimonial-dots { display: flex; gap: 14px; justify-content: center; margin-top: 40px; }
  .testimonial-dots .dot {
    width: 7px; height: 7px;
    border: 1px solid var(--gold);
    transform: rotate(45deg);
    cursor: pointer;
    background: transparent;
    transition: background 0.3s;
    padding: 0;
  }
  .testimonial-dots .dot.active { background: var(--gold); }

  /* ═══════════ CORPORATE & SPEAKING ═══════════ */
  #corporate { padding: var(--section-v) 0; background: var(--obsidian-soft); }
  .corp-section-header { text-align: center; margin-bottom: 70px; }
  .corp-section-header .eyebrow { color: var(--gold-light); display: block; margin-bottom: 20px; }
  .corp-heading {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.4vw, 3.1rem);
    font-weight: 300;
    color: var(--white);
  }
  .corp-heading em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold-light); }
  .corp-sub { font-size: 0.92rem; color: rgba(247,242,234,0.6); max-width: 540px; margin: 20px auto 0; line-height: 1.85; }
  .corporate-inner { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 44px; }
  .corp-card {
    background: rgba(247, 242, 234, 0.035);
    border: 1px solid rgba(212, 175, 114, 0.18);
    padding: 56px 52px;
    transition: border-color 0.35s, background 0.35s, transform 0.6s var(--ease-out);
  }
  .corp-card:hover { border-color: rgba(212,175,114,0.5); background: rgba(247,242,234,0.055); transform: translateY(-6px); }
  .corp-card-bar { width: 44px; height: 2px; background: var(--gold); margin-bottom: 32px; }
  .corp-card-title { font-family: var(--font-display); font-size: 1.75rem; font-weight: 400; color: var(--white); margin-bottom: 20px; }
  .corp-card-title em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold-light); }
  .corp-card-desc { font-size: 0.88rem; color: rgba(247,242,234,0.65); line-height: 1.85; margin-bottom: 28px; }
  .corp-list { list-style: none; margin-bottom: 38px; }
  .corp-list li {
    font-size: 0.84rem; color: rgba(247,242,234,0.72);
    padding: 10px 0 10px 26px;
    position: relative;
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(212,175,114,0.12);
  }
  .corp-list li::before {
    content: '◆';
    position: absolute; left: 0; top: 12px;
    font-size: 0.5rem;
    color: var(--gold);
  }

  /* ═══════════ COURSES — SSI badge cards ═══════════ */
  #courses { padding: var(--section-v) 0; background: var(--ivory-deep); }
  .courses-header {
    display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 60px; align-items: end;
    margin-bottom: 64px;
  }
  .courses-eyebrow { display: block; margin-bottom: 20px; }
  .courses-right-text { font-size: 0.92rem; color: var(--warm-mid); line-height: 1.9; max-width: 480px; justify-self: end; }
  .courses-right-text em { color: var(--gold); font-style: italic; }
  .courses-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 34px; }
  .course-card {
    background: var(--white);
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease-out), box-shadow 0.6s;
    box-shadow: 0 1px 0 var(--champagne);
  }
  .course-card:hover { transform: translateY(-8px); box-shadow: 0 24px 60px rgba(26,23,20,0.1); }
  .course-media { position: relative; aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; overflow: hidden; }
  .course-media img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform 1.4s var(--ease-out); filter: saturate(0.85); }
  .course-card:hover .course-media img { transform: scale(1.05); }
  .course-badge {
    position: absolute;
    bottom: -14px; left: 28px;
    z-index: 2;
    background: var(--champagne);
    color: var(--obsidian);
    font-size: 0.6rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase;
    padding: 9px 16px;
  }
  .course-badge.dark { background: var(--obsidian); color: var(--gold-light); }
  .course-body { padding: 42px 32px 36px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 1; }
  .course-title { font-family: var(--font-display); font-size: 1.45rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 14px; }
  .course-title em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold); }
  .course-desc { font-size: 0.85rem; color: var(--warm-mid); line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 26px; flex: 1; }
  .course-link {
    font-size: 0.64rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--obsidian);
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--gold);
    padding-bottom: 5px;
    align-self: flex-start;
    transition: color 0.25s;
  }
  .course-link:hover { color: var(--gold); }

  /* ═══════════ NEWSLETTER ═══════════ */
  #newsletter { padding: var(--section-v) 0; background: var(--ivory); text-align: center; border-top: 1px solid var(--champagne); }
  .newsletter-script {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-style: italic;
    font-weight: 400;
    font-size: clamp(1.6rem, 2.6vw, 2.2rem);
    letter-spacing: 0.04em;
    color: var(--gold);
    line-height: 1.2;
    display: block;
  }
  .newsletter-heading {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.2vw, 2.9rem);
    font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.25;
    margin-top: 18px;
  }
  .newsletter-heading em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold); }
  .newsletter-sub { font-size: 0.92rem; color: var(--warm-mid); max-width: 480px; margin: 22px auto 0; line-height: 1.85; }
  .newsletter-form {
    display: flex; gap: 0;
    max-width: 520px;
    margin: 44px auto 0;
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--gold);
  }
  .newsletter-input {
    flex: 1;
    border: none; background: transparent;
    padding: 16px 4px;
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-style: italic;
    font-size: 1.05rem;
    color: var(--obsidian);
  }
  .newsletter-input::placeholder { color: var(--warm-light); }
  .newsletter-input:focus { outline: none; }
  .newsletter-btn {
    border: none; background: transparent;
    font-family: var(--font-body);
    font-size: 0.66rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--gold);
    cursor: pointer;
    padding: 0 8px;
    transition: color 0.25s, letter-spacing 0.35s;
  }
  .newsletter-btn:hover { color: var(--obsidian); letter-spacing: 0.26em; }
  .newsletter-note { font-size: 0.72rem; color: var(--warm-light); margin-top: 26px; font-style: italic; font-family: var(--font-display); }

  /* ═══════════ FOOTER ═══════════ */
  footer { background: var(--obsidian); color: rgba(247,242,234,0.65); position: relative; overflow: hidden; }
  .footer-top {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1.5fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
    gap: clamp(40px, 5vw, 80px);
    padding: 96px 0 70px;
    position: relative;
  }
  .footer-brand-logo img { height: 68px; width: 68px; border-radius: 50%; object-fit: cover; box-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.35); }
  .footer-brand-tag {
    margin-top: 16px;
    font-size: 0.64rem; font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: 0.26em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--gold-light);
  }
  .footer-brand-desc { margin-top: 22px; font-size: 0.84rem; line-height: 1.9; color: rgba(247,242,234,0.5); max-width: 340px; }
  .footer-socials { display: flex; gap: 12px; margin-top: 30px; }
  .footer-social {
    width: 38px; height: 38px;
    border: 1px solid rgba(212,175,114,0.3);
    display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
    font-size: 0.62rem; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: 0.05em;
    color: var(--gold-light);
    transition: border-color 0.25s, background 0.25s;
  }
  .footer-social:hover { border-color: var(--gold-light); background: rgba(212,175,114,0.08); }
  .footer-col-title {
    font-size: 0.62rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.24em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--gold);
    margin-bottom: 26px;
  }
  .footer-links { list-style: none; }
  .footer-links li { margin-bottom: 12px; }
  .footer-links a { font-size: 0.82rem; color: rgba(247,242,234,0.6); transition: color 0.25s, padding-left 0.3s var(--ease-out); }
  .footer-links a:hover { color: var(--gold-light); padding-left: 5px; }
  .footer-contact-item { font-size: 0.82rem; line-height: 1.9; margin-bottom: 10px; color: rgba(247,242,234,0.6); }
  .footer-bottom {
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(212,175,114,0.15);
    padding: 26px 0;
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 20px;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    position: relative;
  }
  .footer-copy { font-size: 0.72rem; color: rgba(247,242,234,0.4); letter-spacing: 0.06em; }
  .footer-legal { list-style: none; display: flex; gap: 28px; }
  .footer-legal a { font-size: 0.72rem; color: rgba(247,242,234,0.45); transition: color 0.25s; }
  .footer-legal a:hover { color: var(--gold-light); }

  /* ═══════════ SCROLL REVEALS ═══════════ */
  .reveal { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(38px); transition: opacity 1s var(--ease-out), transform 1s var(--ease-out); }
  .reveal.in-view { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
  .reveal-delay-1 { transition-delay: 0.14s; }
  .reveal-delay-2 { transition-delay: 0.28s; }

  /* ═══════════ RESPONSIVE ═══════════ */
  @media (max-width: 1020px) {
    .philosophy-pillars, .services-grid-bottom, .courses-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
    .services-grid, .corporate-inner, .about-bridge-inner, .book-inner, .courses-header { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
    .courses-right-text { justify-self: start; }
    .footer-top { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
    .layered-media { max-width: 480px; }
  }
  @media (max-width: 820px) {
    .container { padding-inline: 28px; }
    .nav-links {
      position: fixed; inset: 0;
      background: var(--ivory);
      flex-direction: column;
      justify-content: center;
      gap: 26px;
      opacity: 0; visibility: hidden;
      transition: opacity 0.45s ease, visibility 0.45s;
      z-index: 120;
    }
    .nav-links.open { opacity: 1; visibility: visible; }
    .nav-links a { color: var(--obsidian) !important; font-size: 0.85rem; text-shadow: none !important; }
    .nav-links .nav-cta { color: var(--ivory) !important; background: var(--obsidian); }
    .nav-hamburger { display: flex; }
    .hero-content { padding: 100px 28px 60px; }
    .hero-scroll { display: none; }
    .footer-top { grid-template-columns: 1fr; padding: 70px 0 50px; }
    .pillar { padding: 64px 36px 48px; }
    .service-card { padding: 48px 36px; }
    .corp-card { padding: 44px 34px; }
  }

  /* ═══════════ REDUCED MOTION ═══════════ */
  @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
    html { scroll-behavior: auto; }
    .hero-bg, #hero-ray::before, #hero-ray::after, #hero-vignette, .scroll-line { animation: none !important; }
    body.ready .hero-bg { animation: none; }
    .hero-headline .w, .hero-eyebrow, .hero-divider, .hero-sub, .hero-actions, .hero-scroll, #hero-particles {
      animation: none !important; opacity: 1 !important; transform: none !important;
    }
    .wsplit .w { animation: none !important; opacity: 1 !important; transform: none !important; }
    .reveal, .clip-reveal { transition: none; opacity: 1; transform: none; clip-path: none; }
    .clip-reveal img { transform: none; transition: none; }
    #hero-particles { display: none; }
    #preloader { display: none; }
  }

  /* ═══════════ NAV DROPDOWN ═══════════ */
  .nav-dropdown { position: relative; }
  .nav-dropdown > a .caret { font-size: 0.5rem; color: var(--gold-light); margin-left: 6px; line-height: 1; }
  nav.scrolled .nav-dropdown > a .caret { color: var(--gold); }
  .dropdown-panel {
    position: absolute;
    top: calc(100% + 18px);
    left: 50%;
    transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(10px);
    background: var(--ivory);
    border: 1px solid var(--champagne);
    box-shadow: 0 24px 60px rgba(26, 23, 20, 0.14);
    min-width: 240px;
    padding: 14px 0;
    opacity: 0;
    visibility: hidden;
    transition: opacity 0.4s var(--ease-out), transform 0.4s var(--ease-out), visibility 0.4s;
    z-index: 110;
  }
  .nav-dropdown::after { /* hover bridge */
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    left: -20px; right: -20px;
    top: 100%; height: 22px;
  }
  .nav-dropdown:hover .dropdown-panel,
  .nav-dropdown:focus-within .dropdown-panel {
    opacity: 1;
    visibility: visible;
    transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(0);
  }
  .dropdown-panel { min-width: 320px; padding: 18px 0; }
  .dropdown-panel a {
    display: block;
    padding: 14px 30px;
    text-shadow: none !important;
    transition: background 0.25s, padding-left 0.3s var(--ease-out);
    white-space: nowrap;
  }
  .dropdown-panel a:hover { background: var(--ivory-deep); padding-left: 38px; }
  .dropdown-panel .dd-title {
    display: block;
    font-size: 0.66rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.18em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--obsidian);
    transition: color 0.25s;
  }
  .dropdown-panel a:hover .dd-title { color: var(--gold); }
  .dropdown-panel .dd-desc {
    display: block;
    margin-top: 4px;
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-style: italic;
    font-size: 0.88rem;
    letter-spacing: 0;
    text-transform: none;
    color: var(--warm-light);
  }
  .dropdown-panel .dd-all {
    margin-top: 10px;
    padding-top: 16px !important;
    border-top: 1px solid var(--champagne);
  }
  .dropdown-panel .dd-all .dd-title { color: var(--gold); font-size: 0.6rem; }

  /* ═══════════ INTERIOR PAGE HERO (dark editorial) ═══════════ */
  .page-hero {
    position: relative;
    min-height: 68vh;
    display: flex;
    align-items: flex-end;
    overflow: hidden;
    padding-bottom: 90px;
  }
  .page-hero-media {
    position: absolute;
    inset: -5%;
    background-size: cover;
    background-position: center;
    animation: pageKenBurns 26s ease-in-out forwards;
  }
  @keyframes pageKenBurns { from { transform: scale(1.08); } to { transform: scale(1); } }
  .page-hero-media::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    background:
      linear-gradient(to right, rgba(8,6,4,0.88) 0%, rgba(8,6,4,0.62) 48%, rgba(8,6,4,0.38) 100%),
      linear-gradient(to top, rgba(8,6,4,0.75) 0%, rgba(8,6,4,0.18) 50%, rgba(8,6,4,0.3) 100%);
  }
  .page-hero .container { position: relative; z-index: 2; }
  .page-hero .eyebrow { color: var(--gold-light); display: block; margin-bottom: 26px; }
  .page-hero-title {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-weight: 300;
    font-size: clamp(2.6rem, 5.4vw, 4.6rem);
    line-height: 1.1;
    color: var(--white);
    max-width: 820px;
    text-shadow: 0 2px 26px rgba(0,0,0,0.65);
  }
  .page-hero-title em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold-light); }
  .page-hero-sub {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-style: italic; font-weight: 300;
    font-size: clamp(1rem, 1.6vw, 1.3rem);
    color: rgba(247,242,234,0.9);
    max-width: 540px;
    margin-top: 26px;
    line-height: 1.7;
  }

  /* light text-only hero (journal, contact) */
  .page-hero-light {
    padding: 210px 0 70px;
    text-align: center;
    background: var(--ivory);
  }
  .page-hero-light .eyebrow { display: block; margin-bottom: 24px; }
  .page-hero-light .page-hero-title { color: var(--obsidian); margin-inline: auto; text-shadow: none; }
  .page-hero-light .page-hero-title em { color: var(--gold); }
  .page-hero-light .page-hero-sub { color: var(--warm-mid); margin: 26px auto 0; }
  .page-hero-light .script-accent { font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 2.4vw, 2rem); display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; }

  /* ═══════════ EDITORIAL DETAIL ROWS (services, about) ═══════════ */
  .detail-row {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.08fr;
    gap: clamp(52px, 6.5vw, 104px);
    align-items: center;
    padding: clamp(64px, 8vw, 104px) 0;
  }
  .detail-row + .detail-row { border-top: 1px solid var(--champagne); }
  .detail-row.flip .detail-media-col { order: 2; }
  .detail-row h2, .detail-row h3 {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-weight: 300;
    font-size: clamp(1.7rem, 2.7vw, 2.4rem);
    line-height: 1.22;
    margin: 14px 0 22px;
  }
  .detail-row h2 em, .detail-row h3 em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold); }
  .detail-row p { font-size: 0.92rem; color: var(--warm-mid); line-height: 1.9; margin-bottom: 16px; }
  .detail-meta {
    font-size: 0.68rem; font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: 0.16em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--gold);
    line-height: 2.3;
    margin: 20px 0 26px;
  }
  .detail-quote {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-style: italic;
    font-size: 1.05rem;
    color: var(--obsidian-soft);
    border-left: 1px solid var(--gold);
    padding-left: 20px;
    margin: 24px 0;
    line-height: 1.7;
  }

  /* smaller layered media for detail rows */
  .layered-media.compact { padding: 34px 34px 0 0; }
  .layered-media.compact::after { bottom: -18px; left: -18px; }
  .layered-media.compact .media-frame { aspect-ratio: 4 / 4.6; }
  .layered-media.left { padding: 34px 0 0 34px; }
  .layered-media.left::before { right: auto; left: 0; }
  .layered-media.left::after { left: auto; right: -18px; bottom: -18px; }

  /* ═══════════ JOURNAL ═══════════ */
  .journal-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
    gap: clamp(40px, 4.5vw, 64px) clamp(30px, 3.5vw, 48px);
    padding-top: 20px;
  }
  .journal-grid .course-card:nth-child(even) { transform: translateY(54px); }
  .journal-grid .course-card:nth-child(even):hover { transform: translateY(46px); }
  .journal-date {
    font-size: 0.62rem; font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--warm-light);
    margin-top: 18px;
  }
  .journal-cats {
    display: flex; gap: 36px;
    justify-content: center;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    padding: 26px 0 0;
  }
  .journal-cats a {
    font-size: 0.66rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--warm-mid);
    padding-bottom: 6px;
    border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;
    transition: color 0.25s, border-color 0.25s;
  }
  .journal-cats a:hover, .journal-cats a.active { color: var(--gold); border-bottom-color: var(--gold); }
  .pagination {
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    margin-top: 80px;
    padding-top: 32px;
    border-top: 1px solid var(--champagne);
  }

  /* ═══════════ CONTACT ═══════════ */
  .contact-layout {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.15fr;
    gap: clamp(56px, 7vw, 120px);
    align-items: start;
  }
  .contact-intro {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-style: italic; font-weight: 300;
    font-size: clamp(1.15rem, 1.8vw, 1.45rem);
    line-height: 1.7;
    color: var(--obsidian-soft);
  }
  .contact-intro em { color: var(--gold); }
  .contact-details { margin-top: 48px; }
  .contact-details .detail-block { padding: 22px 0; border-top: 1px solid var(--champagne); }
  .contact-details .detail-label {
    font-size: 0.6rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.24em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--gold);
    margin-bottom: 8px;
  }
  .contact-details .detail-value { font-size: 0.95rem; color: var(--warm-mid); line-height: 1.8; }
  .contact-details .detail-value a { color: var(--obsidian); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--gold-light); transition: color 0.25s; }
  .contact-details .detail-value a:hover { color: var(--gold); }

  .form-field { margin-bottom: 40px; }
  .form-field label {
    display: block;
    font-size: 0.62rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.24em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--gold);
    margin-bottom: 10px;
  }
  .form-field input, .form-field select, .form-field textarea {
    width: 100%;
    background: transparent;
    border: none;
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--champagne);
    padding: 13px 2px;
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: 1.05rem;
    color: var(--obsidian);
    transition: border-color 0.35s;
    border-radius: 0;
    appearance: none;
  }
  .form-field textarea { resize: vertical; min-height: 130px; font-style: italic; }
  .form-field input:focus, .form-field select:focus, .form-field textarea:focus {
    outline: none;
    border-bottom-color: var(--gold);
  }
  .form-note-personal {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-style: italic;
    font-size: 0.95rem;
    color: var(--warm-light);
    text-align: center;
    margin-top: 36px;
  }

  /* ═══════════ CREDENTIALS (about) ═══════════ */
  .credentials-list { list-style: none; margin-top: 44px; }
  .credentials-list li {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 200px 1fr;
    gap: 28px;
    padding: 22px 0;
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--champagne);
    font-size: 0.88rem;
    color: var(--warm-mid);
    line-height: 1.75;
  }
  .credentials-list li span:first-child {
    font-size: 0.6rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.22em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--gold);
    padding-top: 4px;
  }

  /* ═══════════ CTA BAND ═══════════ */
  .cta-band { padding: 110px 0; background: var(--obsidian); text-align: center; position: relative; overflow: hidden; }
  .cta-band::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: -30%; left: 50%;
    transform: translateX(-50%);
    width: 70%; height: 160%;
    background: radial-gradient(ellipse, rgba(184,146,74,0.09) 0%, transparent 65%);
    pointer-events: none;
  }
  .cta-band .script-accent { font-size: clamp(1.4rem, 2.2vw, 1.9rem); display: block; color: var(--gold-light); }
  .cta-band h2 {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-weight: 300;
    font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.4vw, 3rem);
    color: var(--white);
    margin: 16px auto 0;
    max-width: 760px;
    line-height: 1.25;
    position: relative;
  }
  .cta-band h2 em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold-light); }
  .cta-band p { font-size: 0.92rem; color: rgba(247,242,234,0.65); max-width: 520px; margin: 22px auto 0; line-height: 1.85; position: relative; }
  .cta-band .cta-actions { margin-top: 44px; display: flex; gap: 16px; justify-content: center; flex-wrap: wrap; position: relative; }

  /* ═══════════ RESPONSIVE ADDITIONS ═══════════ */
  @media (max-width: 1020px) {
    .detail-row, .contact-layout, .journal-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
    .detail-row.flip .detail-media-col { order: 0; }
    .journal-grid .course-card:nth-child(even) { transform: none; }
    .journal-grid .course-card:nth-child(even):hover { transform: translateY(-8px); }
    .credentials-list li { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 8px; }
  }
  @media (max-width: 820px) {
    .dropdown-panel {
      position: static;
      transform: none;
      opacity: 1;
      visibility: visible;
      border: none;
      box-shadow: none;
      background: transparent;
      text-align: center;
      padding: 0;
      min-width: 0;
    }
    .dropdown-panel a { padding: 8px 0 !important; color: var(--gold) !important; font-size: 0.6rem; }
    .nav-dropdown > a { display: none; }
    .page-hero { min-height: 56vh; padding-bottom: 60px; }
    .page-hero-light { padding: 160px 0 50px; }
  }

  /* ═══════════ NAV ON LIGHT PAGES ═══════════ */
  nav.on-light .nav-links a { color: var(--warm-mid); text-shadow: none; }
  nav.on-light .nav-links a:hover { color: var(--gold); }
  nav.on-light .nav-links .nav-cta { color: var(--ivory); background: var(--obsidian); }
  nav.on-light .nav-links .nav-cta:hover { background: var(--gold) !important; }
  nav.on-light .nav-hamburger span { background: var(--obsidian); }
  nav.on-light .nav-dropdown > a .caret { color: var(--gold); }


  /* ═══════════ HOMEPAGE PATH GATEWAYS ═══════════ */
  #paths { padding: var(--section-v) 0; background: var(--ivory-deep); }
  .paths-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 34px; margin-top: 70px; }
  .path-card {
    position: relative;
    display: block;
    aspect-ratio: 3 / 4;
    overflow: hidden;
    isolation: isolate;
  }
  .path-card img {
    position: absolute; inset: 0;
    width: 100%; height: 100%;
    object-fit: cover;
    transition: transform 1.5s var(--ease-out);
    filter: saturate(0.85);
  }
  .path-card:hover img { transform: scale(1.06); }
  .path-card::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute; inset: 0;
    background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(10,8,6,0.88) 0%, rgba(10,8,6,0.32) 48%, rgba(10,8,6,0.12) 100%);
    z-index: 1;
    transition: background 0.5s;
  }
  .path-card-body {
    position: absolute;
    left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0;
    z-index: 2;
    padding: 36px 32px;
  }
  .path-card .path-tag {
    font-size: 0.6rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.24em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--gold-light);
    display: block;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
  }
  .path-card .path-title {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-weight: 300;
    font-size: 1.75rem;
    line-height: 1.2;
    color: var(--white);
  }
  .path-card .path-title em { font-style: italic; color: var(--gold-light); }
  .path-card .path-desc {
    font-size: 0.82rem;
    color: rgba(247,242,234,0.75);
    line-height: 1.7;
    margin-top: 12px;
    max-height: 0;
    opacity: 0;
    overflow: hidden;
    transition: max-height 0.6s var(--ease-out), opacity 0.5s;
  }
  .path-card:hover .path-desc { max-height: 120px; opacity: 1; }
  .path-card .path-arrow {
    display: inline-block;
    margin-top: 16px;
    font-size: 0.64rem; font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--gold-light);
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(212,175,114,0.45);
    padding-bottom: 4px;
  }
  @media (max-width: 1020px) {
    .paths-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
    .path-card { aspect-ratio: 16 / 10; }
    .path-card .path-desc { max-height: none; opacity: 1; }
  }


  /* portrait crops that must keep the head in frame */
  .media-frame img.pos-top { object-position: 50% 0%; transform-origin: top center; }

  /* ═══════════ TESTIMONIAL SLIDESHOW ═══════════ */
  .testimonial-stage { position: relative; }
  .testimonial-arrow {
    position: absolute;
    top: 50%;
    transform: translateY(-50%);
    background: transparent;
    border: 1px solid var(--champagne);
    color: var(--gold);
    width: 46px; height: 46px;
    cursor: pointer;
    font-size: 1rem;
    transition: border-color 0.3s, background 0.3s;
    display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
  }
  .testimonial-arrow:hover { border-color: var(--gold); background: rgba(184,146,74,0.06); }
  .testimonial-arrow.prev { left: 0; }
  .testimonial-arrow.next { right: 0; }
  @media (max-width: 820px) {
    .testimonial-arrow { display: none; }
  }


  /* preloader skipped on repeat visits within a session */
  html.skip-preloader #preloader { display: none; }

  /* ═══════════ WORK WITH ME ═══════════ */
  .next-steps { list-style: none; margin-top: 40px; counter-reset: step; }
  .next-steps li {
    counter-increment: step;
    position: relative;
    padding: 20px 0 20px 64px;
    border-top: 1px solid var(--champagne);
    font-size: 0.9rem;
    color: var(--warm-mid);
    line-height: 1.8;
  }
  .next-steps li::before {
    content: counter(step, decimal-leading-zero);
    position: absolute;
    left: 0; top: 18px;
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: 1.6rem;
    font-weight: 300;
    color: var(--gold-light);
  }
  .next-steps li strong {
    display: block;
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-weight: 500;
    font-size: 1.05rem;
    color: var(--obsidian);
    letter-spacing: 0.02em;
    margin-bottom: 4px;
  }
  .media-kit {
    margin-top: 48px;
    border: 1px solid var(--champagne);
    background: var(--white);
    padding: 34px 32px;
    display: flex;
    gap: 24px;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: space-between;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
  }
  .media-kit .mk-title {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: 1.25rem;
    font-weight: 400;
    color: var(--obsidian);
  }
  .media-kit .mk-desc { font-size: 0.8rem; color: var(--warm-light); margin-top: 6px; line-height: 1.7; }
  .form-check-row { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 12px; margin-top: 6px; }
  .form-check-row label {
    display: inline-block;
    font-family: var(--font-body);
    font-size: 0.72rem; font-weight: 400;
    letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    text-transform: none;
    color: var(--warm-mid);
    border: 1px solid var(--champagne);
    padding: 10px 16px;
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: border-color 0.25s, color 0.25s, background 0.25s;
    margin: 0;
  }
  .form-check-row input { position: absolute; opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; }
  .form-check-row label:has(input:checked) {
    border-color: var(--gold);
    color: var(--gold);
    background: rgba(184, 146, 74, 0.05);
  }

  /* ═══════════ ARTICLE / PROSE ═══════════ */
  .article-meta {
    font-family: var(--font-body);
    font-size: 0.72rem; font-weight: 400;
    letter-spacing: 0.16em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--warm-light);
    margin-top: 22px;
  }
  .article-featured { aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; }
  .prose { max-width: 780px; }
  .prose > :first-child { margin-top: 0; }
  .prose p { font-size: 1rem; color: var(--charcoal, var(--warm-mid)); color: var(--warm-mid); line-height: 1.95; margin: 0 0 1.5em; }
  .prose h2, .prose h3, .prose h4 {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-weight: 400;
    color: var(--obsidian);
    line-height: 1.25;
    margin: 2em 0 0.7em;
  }
  .prose h2 { font-size: 1.9rem; }
  .prose h3 { font-size: 1.45rem; }
  .prose h4 { font-size: 1.15rem; }
  .prose a { color: var(--gold); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--gold-light); transition: color 0.25s; }
  .prose a:hover { color: var(--obsidian); }
  .prose ul, .prose ol { margin: 0 0 1.6em 1.3em; }
  .prose li { font-size: 1rem; color: var(--warm-mid); line-height: 1.9; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
  .prose li::marker { color: var(--gold); }
  .prose img {
    display: block;
    width: 100%;
    height: auto;
    margin: 2.2em 0;
    box-shadow: 0 18px 50px rgba(26, 23, 20, 0.12);
  }
  .prose blockquote {
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-style: italic;
    font-size: 1.2rem;
    color: var(--obsidian-soft);
    border-left: 1px solid var(--gold);
    padding-left: 24px;
    margin: 2em 0;
    line-height: 1.7;
  }
  .prose strong { color: var(--obsidian); font-weight: 600; }
  .prose hr { border: none; height: 1px; background: var(--champagne); margin: 2.5em 0; }
  .prose table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 2em 0; font-size: 0.9rem; }
  .prose th, .prose td { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--champagne); padding: 12px 10px; text-align: left; color: var(--warm-mid); }
  .prose th { font-family: var(--font-body); font-size: 0.66rem; letter-spacing: 0.16em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--gold); }
  .article-tags { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 10px; margin-top: 48px; padding-top: 32px; border-top: 1px solid var(--champagne); }
  .article-tag {
    font-family: var(--font-body);
    font-size: 0.64rem; font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: 0.14em; text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--warm-mid);
    border: 1px solid var(--champagne);
    padding: 8px 14px;
  }