/* ========================================
   CSS VARIABLES & RESET
   ======================================== */
:root {
	color-scheme: dark;
	
  /* Gray Palette - Darkened */
  --gray-darkest: #0A0A0A;
  --gray-darker: #121212;
  --gray-dark: #161616;
  --gray-main: #181818;
  --gray-base: #1E1E1E;
  --gray-medium: #2A2A2A;
  --gray-border: #353535;
  --gray-text: #E5E5E5;
  --gray-muted: #B8B8B8;
  
  /* Royal Blue Accent Palette */
  --blue-deep: #1A3A5F;
  --blue-mid: #2B5A8F;
  --blue-bright: #4A7FBF;
  --blue-glow: rgba(43, 90, 143, 0.3);
  --blue-glow-strong: rgba(74, 127, 191, 0.5);
  --blue-glow-text: rgba(91, 143, 206, 0.4);
  --blue-transparent: rgba(43, 90, 143, 0.25);
  --cta-blue: #3b82f6;
  --cta-blue-hover: #2563eb;

  /* Extra Story-Badge Colors */
  --color-patreon: #E6461A;
  --color-novella: #2f914f;
  
  /* Semantic Tokens */
  --color-background: var(--gray-base);
  --color-surface: var(--gray-dark);
  --color-surface-elevated: var(--gray-darker);
  --color-border: var(--gray-border);
  --color-text: var(--gray-text);
  --color-text-muted: var(--gray-muted);
  --color-accent: var(--blue-bright);
  --color-accent-dark: var(--blue-deep);
  --color-accent-mid: var(--blue-mid);
  
  /* Specific Use Tokens */
  --color-headline: var(--blue-bright);
  --color-button-bg: var(--blue-deep);
  --color-button-text: #ffffff;
  --color-input-bg: var(--gray-darker);
  --color-footer-bg: var(--gray-darkest);
  --color-focus-ring: rgba(43, 90, 143, 0.15);
  
  /* Gradients */
  --gradient-background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--gray-dark) 0%, var(--gray-base) 50%, var(--gray-dark) 100%);
  --gradient-accent-section: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(22, 22, 22, 0.95) 0%, rgba(26, 58, 95, 0.1) 50%, rgba(22, 22, 22, 0.95) 100%);
  --gradient-button: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--blue-deep) 0%, var(--blue-mid) 100%);
  --gradient-button-hover: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--blue-mid) 0%, var(--blue-bright) 100%);
}

/* Reader Mode Variables */
.reading-content {
  --reader-bg: var(--gray-base);
  --reader-text: var(--gray-text);
  --reader-text-muted: var(--gray-muted);
  --reader-border: var(--color-border);
}

.reading-content.light-mode {
  --reader-bg: #F5F5F0;
  --reader-text: #2A2A2A;
  --reader-text-muted: #5A5A5A;
  --reader-border: #D0D0C8;
}

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

/* ========================================
   ANIMATIONS — SCROLL REVEALS
   ======================================== */

/* Reduced-motion safety net */
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .scroll-reveal,
  .scroll-reveal-delayed,
  .scroll-reveal-fade,
  .scroll-reveal-stagger > * {
    opacity: 1 !important;
    transform: none !important;
    transition: none !important;
    animation: none !important;
  }
}

.scroll-reveal {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(14px);
  transition: opacity 0.55s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1),
              transform 0.55s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  will-change: opacity, transform;
}

.is-visible {
  opacity: 1 !important;
  transform: translateY(0) !important;
}

.scroll-reveal.is-visible {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: translateY(0);
}

/* Delayed variant: same motion, staggered timing */
.scroll-reveal-delayed {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(22px);
  transition:
    opacity 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1) 0.15s,
    transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1) 0.15s;
  will-change: opacity, transform;
}

.scroll-reveal-delayed.is-visible {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: translateY(0);
}

/* Fade-only variant (no movement) —
   Use on full-width elements like banners, dividers,
   or anywhere vertical shift feels wrong. */
.scroll-reveal-fade {
  opacity: 0;
  transition: opacity 0.7s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  will-change: opacity;
}

.scroll-reveal-fade.is-visible {
  opacity: 1;
}

/* Stagger children — add to a parent (grid, card row).
   Direct children cascade in automatically. */
.scroll-reveal-stagger > * {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(18px);
  transition:
    opacity 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1),
    transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  will-change: opacity, transform;
}

.scroll-reveal-stagger.is-visible > *:nth-child(1) { transition-delay: 0s; }
.scroll-reveal-stagger.is-visible > *:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: 0.1s; }
.scroll-reveal-stagger.is-visible > *:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: 0.2s; }
.scroll-reveal-stagger.is-visible > *:nth-child(4) { transition-delay: 0.3s; }
.scroll-reveal-stagger.is-visible > *:nth-child(5) { transition-delay: 0.4s; }
.scroll-reveal-stagger.is-visible > *:nth-child(6) { transition-delay: 0.5s; }

.scroll-reveal-stagger.is-visible > * {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: translateY(0);
}

/* ========================================
   PAGE-LOAD ENTRANCE ANIMATION
   Fires on page load for hero content.
   ======================================== */

.book-feature, .site-header {
  opacity: 1 !important;
  visibility: visible !important;
}

.hero-entrance,
p.hero-entrance,
h2.hero-entrance,
h3.hero-entrance,
div.hero-entrance,
.flex-wrapper .hero-entrance,
.about-main-content .hero-entrance {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(26px);
  backface-visibility: hidden;
}

.hero-entrance {
  animation: heroFadeUp 0.9s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.1, 0.25, 1.0) both;
  animation-delay: 0.15s;
}

.hero-entrance.delay-1 { animation-delay: 0.25s; }
.hero-entrance.delay-2 { animation-delay: 0.35s; }
.hero-entrance.delay-3 { animation-delay: 0.45s; }
.hero-entrance.delay-4 { animation-delay: 0.55s; }
.hero-entrance.delay-5 { animation-delay: 0.65s; }
.hero-entrance.delay-6 { animation-delay: 0.75s; }
.hero-entrance.delay-7 { animation-delay: 0.85s; }

@keyframes heroFadeUp {
  from {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateY(26px);
  }
  to {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: translateY(0);
  }
}

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .hero-entrance {
    animation: none !important;
    opacity: 1 !important;
    transform: none !important;
  }
}

/* ========================================
   BOOK FEATURE — reusable side-by-side
   pattern for book sections (homepage,
   archive, newsletter).
   ======================================== */
.book-feature {
  display: flex;
  gap: 40px;
  align-items: flex-start;
  padding: 2rem 0;
}

.book-feature .book-cover {
  flex: 0 0 300px;
}

.book-feature .book-cover img {
  width: 100%;
  height: auto;
  border: 2px solid var(--color-border);
  border-radius: 5px;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5), 0 0 40px rgba(43, 90, 143, 0.1);
  transition: box-shadow 0.35s ease,
              transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.1, 0.25, 1.0);
}

.book-feature .book-cover img:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8), 0 0 30px rgba(43, 90, 143, 0.25);
}

.book-feature .book-text {
  flex: 1;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
}

.book-feature .book-title {
  display: block;
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;
  font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 4vw, 2.8rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.2;
}

.book-feature .book-stars {
  margin-bottom: 1.2rem;
  font-size: 1rem;
  color: var(--color-text-muted);
}

.book-feature .book-stars i {
  color: #d4a843;
  margin: 0 1px;
}

.book-feature .blurb {
  margin: 0 0 1.5rem;
}

.book-feature .book-actions {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 16px;
}

.book-feature .heist-signup p {
  margin: 0 0 15px;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  color: var(--color-text);
  opacity: 0.9;
}

.book-feature .email-signup {
  max-width: 500px;
}

/* Series label — reusable across pages */
.series-label {
  display: inline-block;
  margin-bottom: 0.4rem;
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--color-text);
  opacity: 0.8;
}

/* CTA sections (Early Access, Discord) */
.cta-section {
  text-align: center;
  padding: 0;
}

.cta-section h2 {
  margin-bottom: 15px;
}

.cta-section p {
  margin: 0 auto 20px;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
}

/* ====== SERIES STRIP ====== */
.series-strip {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: 32px;
  max-width: 800px;
  margin: 0 auto;
}

/* 1. The Container/Link - Handles the "Move Up" */
.series-strip-item {
  display: block;
  text-decoration: none;
  /* We must include BOTH transform and filter in the same transition line */
  transition: transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.1, 0.25, 1.0), filter 0.35s ease;
  filter: brightness(0.8);
  border-bottom: none !important;
}

.series-strip-item:hover,
.series-strip-item:focus {
  /* FORCE the move */
  transform: translateY(-8px) !important; 
  filter: brightness(1);
  outline: none;
}

/* 2. The Image - Handles the "Glow" */
.series-strip-item img {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 220px;
  height: auto;
  border-radius: 4px;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6);
  display: block;
  margin: 0 auto;
  /* Separate transition for the shadow */
  transition: box-shadow 0.35s ease;
}

/* Trigger the glow on the image when the parent link is hovered */
.series-strip-item:hover img {
  box-shadow: 0 12px 32px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7), 0 0 20px var(--blue-glow);
}

.series-strip-heading {
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.series-strip-subtitle {
  margin-bottom: 32px;
}

/* ========================================
   BASE TYPOGRAPHY & ELEMENTS
   ======================================== */
body {
  font-family: "Georgia", "Merriweather", "Lora", "Times New Roman", serif;
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: var(--color-text);
  background: var(--gradient-background);
  background-attachment: scroll;
  overflow-x: hidden;
  transition: background-color 0.5s ease;
}

h2 {
  position: relative;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;
  font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 4vw, 2.8rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--color-headline);
}

h3 {
  position: relative;
  display: block;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  color: var(--color-headline);
}

h4 {
  position: relative;
  display: block;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  color: var(--color-headline);
}

h2.centered,
h3.centered,
h4.centered,
.centered {
  display: block;
  width: 100%;
  text-align: center;
}

main a:not(.button):not(.link-btn):not(.link-btn-thumb):not(.links-featured) {
  padding-bottom: 2px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--color-headline);
  text-decoration: none;
  border-bottom: 2px solid transparent;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

main a:not(.button):not(.link-btn):not(.link-btn-thumb):not(.links-featured):hover {
  color: var(--color-accent);
  border-bottom-color: var(--color-accent);
}

main ul {
  margin: 10px 0 20px 30px;
}

main li {
  font-size: 1.1rem;
}

.blurb {
  flex: 1;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 18px 18px 18px 22px;
  border-left: 3px solid var(--color-accent);
  background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
  border-radius: 0 6px 6px 0;
}

blockquote.blurb p {
  margin: 0;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  line-height: 1.7;
  text-align: left;
  color: var(--color-text);
  opacity: 0.9;
}

.blurb p + p {
  margin-top: 0.4em;
  margin-bottom:0px;
}

/* ========================================
   LAYOUT COMPONENTS
   ======================================== */
.container {
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 0 20px;
}

main {
  min-height: 50vh;
  padding: 0;
  background-color: var(--gray-main);
}

.section-wrapper {
  width: 100%;
  padding: 40px 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border);
  scroll-margin-top: 55px;
}

.section-wrapper.alt-bg {
  background: var(--color-surface);
}

.section-wrapper.accent-bg {
  background: var(--gradient-accent-section);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--color-border);
}

/* ========================================
   HEADER & NAVIGATION (combined sticky bar)
   ======================================== */
.site-header {
  position: sticky;
  top: 0;
  z-index: 1000;
  background: var(--gray-darker);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border);
  box-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
}

.header-inner {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 14px 20px;
}

.logo {
  font-size: 1.3rem;
  font-weight: bold;
  letter-spacing: 2px;
  color: var(--color-accent);
  text-decoration: none;
  white-space: nowrap;
  position: relative;
  top: 2px;
}

.header-logo-icon {
  height: 65px;
  width: auto;
  vertical-align: middle;
  margin-right: 5px;
  position: relative;
  top: -3px;
}

.nav-links {
  display: flex;
  gap: 24px;
}

.nav-links a {
  position: relative;
  padding: 5px 8px;
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 1px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--color-text);
  text-decoration: none;
  border-radius: 5px;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.nav-links a:hover {
  color: var(--color-accent);
  background: var(--blue-transparent);
  text-shadow: 0 0 8px var(--blue-glow-text);
}

.nav-links a::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 50%;
  width: 0;
  height: 2px;
  background-color: var(--color-accent);
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.nav-links a:hover::after {
  left: 10%;
  width: 80%;
}

.mobile-menu-btn {
  display: none;
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  color: var(--color-text);
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
}

/* ========================================
   CONTENT SECTIONS
   ======================================== */
.content-section {
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  gap: 40px;
  align-items: flex-start;
  margin-bottom: 0;
  padding: 0;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.book-cover {
  flex: 0 0 300px;
  margin-top: 0px;
  position: relative;
}

.book-cover img {
  width: 100%;
  height: auto;
  border: 2px solid var(--color-border);
  border-radius: 5px;
  box-shadow: 0 0 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6);
  opacity: 1;
  transition: box-shadow 0.35s ease,
              transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.1, 0.25, 1.0);
}

.book-cover img:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8), 0 0 20px var(--blue-glow);
}

.about-content {
  display: flex;
  gap: 40px;
  align-items: flex-start;
  margin-top: 20px;
}

.author-photo {
  flex: 0 0 250px;
  position: relative;
}

.author-photo img {
  width: 100%;
  height: auto;
  border: 2px solid var(--color-border);
  border-radius: 5px;
  box-shadow: 0 0 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6);
  transition: box-shadow 0.3s ease;
}

.author-photo img:hover {
  box-shadow: 0 0 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8), 0 0 20px var(--blue-glow);
}

.about-text {
  flex: 1;
}

.about-text p {
  margin-bottom: 20px;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  color: var(--color-text);
  opacity: 0.9;
}

.flex-wrapper {
  flex: 1;
}

.flex-wrapper h2 {
  margin-top: 0;
}

.flex-wrapper p {
  margin-bottom: 20px;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  color: var(--color-text);
  opacity: 0.9;
  transition: opacity 0.3s ease;
}

.book-actions {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  justify-content: flex-start;
  gap: 18px;
  margin-top: 24px;
}

/* ========================================
   CARD GRID SYSTEM
   ======================================== */
.card-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(350px, 1fr));
  gap: 30px;
  margin-bottom: 40px;
}

.card-grid--narrow {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(300px, 1fr));
  gap: 25px;
  margin-bottom: 40px;
}

.card {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  padding: 30px;
  background: var(--color-surface);
  border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
  border-radius: 12px;
}

.card h4 {
  margin-bottom: 15px;
  text-align: center;
}

.card p {
  margin-bottom: 15px;
  text-align: left;
}

.card ul {
  text-align: left;
}

.card p:last-of-type {
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.card--with-action .card-action {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-top: auto;
  padding-top: 20px;
}

.card--feature {
  text-align: center;
}

.card--feature .card-icon {
  margin-bottom: 15px;
  font-size: 2.5rem;
  text-align: center;
}

.card--feature h4 {
  margin-bottom: 10px;
}

.card--feature p {
  text-align: center;
}

/* ========================================
   SERVICE NAVIGATION
   ======================================== */
.service-nav-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 30px;
  max-width: 900px;
  margin: 40px auto 0;
}

.service-nav-item {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  padding: 30px 25px;
  background: var(--color-surface);
  border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
  border-radius: 8px;
}

.service-nav-item h4 {
  margin-bottom: 15px;
}

.service-nav-item p {
  flex-grow: 1;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
  font-size: 1rem;
  line-height: 1.5;
  color: var(--color-text);
  opacity: 0.9;
}

.service-nav-action {
  margin-top: 20px;
  text-align: center;
}

/* ========================================
   STORIES SECTION
   ======================================== */
.story-grid-2col {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(450px, 1fr));
  gap: 30px;
}

.story-card-horizontal {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: row;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 20px;
  padding: 25px;
}

.story-image-side {
  flex: 0 0 140px;
  position: relative;
}

.story-image-side img {
  width: 100%;
  border-radius: 4px;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
}

.story-content-side {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  flex: 1;
  height: 100%;
}

.story-content-side h4 {
  margin-top: 0;
  text-align: left;
}

.story-actions {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 10px;
  margin-top: auto;
  padding-top: 30px;
}

.story-badge {
  position: absolute;
  top: -8px;
  left: -8px;
  z-index: 5;
  padding: 3px 8px;
  font-size: 0.65rem;
  font-weight: bold;
  color: white;
  background: var(--blue-mid);
  border-radius: 3px;
}

.story-badge.patreon {
  background: var(--color-patreon);
}

.story-badge.novella {
  background: var(--color-novella);
}

/* ========================================
   EDITING SECTIONS
   ======================================== */
.service-rate {
  margin-bottom: 20px;
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  text-align: center;
  color: var(--blue-bright);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--blue-transparent);
}

.service-intro {
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}

.genres-specialty {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 1rem;
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  line-height: 1.8;
  text-align: center;
}

.genres-specialty strong {
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--blue-bright);
}

/* Testimonial Carousel */
.testimonial-carousel {
  width: 100%;
}

.testimonial-track {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.testimonial-slide {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  padding: 0 1rem;
  box-sizing: border-box;
  opacity: 0;
  transition: opacity 0.4s ease;
  pointer-events: none;
}

.testimonial-slide.active {
  position: relative;
  opacity: 1;
  pointer-events: auto;
}

.testimonial-slide .card {
  width: 100%;
  margin: 0;
}

.testimonial-slide .card .testimonial-attribution {
  margin-top: auto;
  padding-top: 1rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--color-accent);
  text-align: right;
}

.testimonial-controls {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 1rem;
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
}

.testimonial-arrow {
  background: none;
  border: 2px solid var(--color-accent);
  color: var(--color-accent);
  width: 2.5rem;
  height: 2.5rem;
  border-radius: 50%;
  cursor: pointer;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  transition: background 0.25s ease, color 0.25s ease;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
}

.testimonial-arrow:hover {
  background: var(--color-accent);
  color: var(--bg-primary, #fff);
}

.testimonial-dots {
  display: flex;
  gap: 0.5rem;
}

.testimonial-dot {
  width: 10px;
  height: 10px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 2px solid var(--color-accent);
  background: transparent;
  cursor: pointer;
  padding: 0;
  transition: background 0.25s ease;
}

.testimonial-dot.active {
  background: var(--color-accent);
}

/* ========================================
   UI COMPONENTS - BUTTONS
   Extra specificity on button.button and
   button[type="submit"].button overrides
   browser defaults on <button> elements.
   ======================================== */
.button,
button.button,
button[type="submit"].button {
  display: inline-block;
  min-width: 120px;
  min-height: 42px;
  padding: 12px 14px;
  font-family: "Georgia", "Merriweather", "Lora", "Times New Roman", serif;
  font-size: 1rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.2;
  letter-spacing: 0.5px;
  text-align: center;
  color: var(--color-button-text);
  text-decoration: none;
  background: var(--gradient-button);
  border: none;
  border-radius: 5px;
  box-shadow: 0 2px 8px var(--blue-glow);
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.button:hover,
button.button:hover,
button[type="submit"].button:hover {
  background: var(--gradient-button-hover);
  box-shadow: 0 5px 15px var(--blue-glow-strong);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.button:active,
button.button:active,
button[type="submit"].button:active {
  box-shadow: 0 2px 5px var(--blue-glow);
  transform: translateY(0);
  transition-duration: 0.08s;
}

.button i {
  margin-right: 8px;
}

.btn-outline {
  background: transparent;
  border: 1px solid var(--color-accent);
  color: var(--color-accent);
}

.btn-outline:hover {
  background: var(--blue-transparent);
  box-shadow: 0 0 10px var(--blue-glow);
}

.button.disabled {
  opacity: 0.4;
  cursor: not-allowed;
  pointer-events: none;
}

/* ========================================
   UI COMPONENTS - FORMS
   ======================================== */
.email-signup {
  max-width: 500px;
}

.email-signup input[type="email"] {
  width: 100%;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  padding: 14px 18px;
  font-size: 1rem;
  color: var(--color-text);
  background-color: var(--color-input-bg);
  border: 2px solid var(--color-border);
  border-radius: 6px;
  transition: border-color 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.3s ease;
}

.email-signup input[type="email"]:focus {
  border-color: var(--color-accent);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px var(--color-focus-ring);
  outline: none;
}

.form-checkbox {
  margin: 0.5rem 0 1.5rem 1px;
  text-align: left;
}

.form-checkbox label {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  font-size: 1rem;
  color: var(--color-text);
  cursor: pointer;
}

.form-checkbox input[type="checkbox"] {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  width: 18px;
  height: 18px;
  accent-color: var(--color-accent);
  cursor: pointer;
}

.contact-form-wrapper {
  max-width: 700px;
  margin: 2rem auto 0;
}

.contact-form-wrapper form {
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  padding: 30px;
  background: var(--color-surface);
  border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
  border-radius: 12px;
}

.form-group {
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

.form-group label {
  display: block;
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  font-size: 1rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: var(--color-text);
}

.form-group input[type="text"],
.form-group input[type="email"],
.form-group select,
.form-group textarea {
  width: 100%;
  padding: 12px 16px;
  font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
  font-size: 1rem;
  color: var(--color-text);
  background-color: var(--color-input-bg);
  border: 2px solid var(--color-border);
  border-radius: 6px;
  transition: border-color 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.3s ease;
}

.form-group input[type="text"]:focus,
.form-group input[type="email"]:focus,
.form-group select:focus,
.form-group textarea:focus {
  border-color: var(--color-accent);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px var(--color-focus-ring);
  outline: none;
}

.form-group textarea {
  min-height: 120px;
  resize: vertical;
}

.form-group input[type="file"] {
  padding: 10px;
  background-color: var(--color-input-bg);
  border: 2px dashed var(--color-border);
  cursor: pointer;
}

.form-group input[type="file"]:hover {
  border-color: var(--color-accent);
}

.form-group select {
  cursor: pointer;
}

.form-group--checkbox {
  margin-top: 1rem;
}

.form-group--checkbox label {
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 400;
  cursor: pointer;
}

.form-group--checkbox input[type="checkbox"] {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
  margin-top: 2px;
  cursor: pointer;
}

.file-note {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  margin-bottom: 0;
  font-size: 0.875rem;
  color: var(--color-text);
  opacity: 0.7;
}

.form-submit {
  margin-top: 2rem;
  text-align: center;
}

.form-message {
  display: none;
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
  padding: 1rem;
  text-align: center;
  border-radius: 6px;
}

.form-message.success {
  display: block;
  color: #81C784;
  background-color: rgba(76, 175, 80, 0.1);
  border: 1px solid rgba(76, 175, 80, 0.3);
}

.form-message.error {
  display: block;
  color: #E57373;
  background-color: rgba(244, 67, 54, 0.1);
  border: 1px solid rgba(244, 67, 54, 0.3);
}

.ml-form-success {
  margin-top: 1rem;
  padding: 1.5rem 1rem;
  text-align: center;
  color: var(--color-text);
  background: var(--blue-deep);
  border: 1px solid var(--color-accent);
  border-radius: 4px;
}

.ml-form-success p {
  margin: 0;
}

.ml-form-success strong {
  color: var(--color-text);
}

/* ========================================
   UI COMPONENTS - BACK TO TOP
   ======================================== */
.back-to-top {
  position: fixed;
  right: 30px;
  bottom: 30px;
  z-index: 1000;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 50px;
  height: 50px;
  color: var(--color-button-text);
  background: var(--gradient-button);
  border-radius: 50%;
  box-shadow: 0 2px 15px var(--blue-glow);
  opacity: 0;
  pointer-events: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.back-to-top.visible {
  opacity: 1;
  pointer-events: auto;
}

.back-to-top:hover {
  background: var(--gradient-button-hover);
  box-shadow: 0 5px 18px var(--blue-glow-strong);
  transform: scale(1.1);
}

/* ========================================
   THEMATIC ICON COLORS
   ======================================== */
.icon-dragon {
  color: #27ae60;
}

.icon-wand {
  color: #CC5500;
}

/* Notice boxes (legal pages) */
.notice-box {
  margin: 1rem 0 1.5rem;
  padding: 1.2rem 1.5rem;
  background: var(--color-surface);
  border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
  border-left: 3px solid var(--color-accent);
  border-radius: 0 6px 6px 0;
}

.notice-box p {
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.notice-box p:last-child {
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.notice-box ul {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
}

/* ========================================
   FOOTER
   ======================================== */
footer {
  position: relative;
  clear: both;
  margin-top: auto;
  padding: 40px 0 24px;
  color: var(--color-text-muted);
  background-color: var(--color-footer-bg);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--color-border);
  box-shadow: 0 -2px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
  text-align: center;
}

.footer-social {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 24px;
  margin-bottom: 28px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}

.footer-social a {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 36px;
  height: 36px;
  font-size: 1.4rem;
  color: var(--color-accent);
  text-decoration: none;
  border-radius: 4px;
  transition: color 0.3s ease, transform 0.3s ease, background 0.3s ease;
}

.footer-social a:hover {
  color: var(--color-text);
  background: var(--blue-transparent);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.footer-legal {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 8px 4px;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
}

.footer-legal a {
  color: var(--color-text-muted);
  text-decoration: none;
  padding: 4px 8px;
  border-radius: 3px;
  transition: color 0.3s ease, background 0.3s ease;
}

.footer-legal a:hover {
  color: var(--color-accent);
  background: var(--blue-transparent);
}

.footer-divider {
  color: var(--color-text-muted);
  opacity: 0.5;
}

.footer-bottom {
  margin-top: 0;
  padding: 0;
  text-align: center;
  color: var(--color-text-muted);
  border-top: none;
}

.footer-bottom p {
  margin: 4px 0;
}

.footer-business {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  opacity: 0.7;
}

/* ========================================
   READER PAGE STYLES
   ======================================== */

/* Reader-specific overrides */
main.reader-page .section-wrapper {
  padding-top: 0 !important;
  margin-top: 0 !important;
}

main.reader-page .container {
  padding-top: 0;
}

/* Progress Bar */
.reader-progress-bar {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  height: 4px;
  background: var(--color-accent);
  width: 0%;
  z-index: 1000;
  transition: width 0.1s ease;
  box-shadow: 0 0 10px var(--blue-glow);
}

/* Narrow Container for Optimal Reading */
.narrow-reader {
  max-width: 800px;
  margin: 0 auto;
}

/* Top Navigation */
.reader-nav-top {
  position: sticky;
  top: 0px;
  z-index: 98;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: flex-start;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 15px;
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 760px;
  height: 60px;
  margin: 0 auto 0 auto;
  padding: 10px 20px;
  background: var(--gray-darker);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border);
  box-sizing: border-box;
}

.reader-nav-back {
  position: absolute;
  left: 20px;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  height: 40px;
  padding: 0 15px;
  margin: 0;
}

/* Chapter Dropdown */
.chapter-dropdown-container {
  position: absolute;
  left: 50%;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  max-width: 325px;
  width: auto;
}

.chapter-dropdown {
  min-width: 200px;
  max-width: 350px;
  width: 100%;
  height: 40px;
  padding: 0 35px 0 15px;
  font-family: 'Georgia', 'Merriweather', 'Lora', serif;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: var(--color-text);
  background: var(--gray-darkest);
  border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
  border-radius: 5px;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
  appearance: none;
  background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;charset=UTF-8,%3csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 24 24' fill='none' stroke='%234A7FBF' stroke-width='2' stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round'%3e%3cpolyline points='6 9 12 15 18 9'%3e%3c/polyline%3e%3c/svg%3e");
  background-repeat: no-repeat;
  background-position: right 10px center;
  background-size: 20px;
  white-space: nowrap;
  overflow: hidden;
  text-overflow: ellipsis;
}

.chapter-dropdown:hover {
  border-color: var(--color-accent);
  background-color: var(--gray-dark);
}

.chapter-dropdown:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: var(--color-accent);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px var(--blue-glow);
}

.chapter-dropdown option {
  background: var(--gray-darker);
  color: var(--color-text);
  padding: 8px 15px;
}

.chapter-dropdown option.story-header {
  background: var(--gray-dark);
  color: var(--color-accent);
  font-weight: 600;
  font-style: italic;
  padding: 10px 15px;
}

.chapter-dropdown option.story-chapter {
  padding-left: 25px;
}

.chapter-dropdown option:hover {
  background: var(--blue-transparent);
}

.chapter-dropdown option:checked {
  background: var(--color-accent);
  color: var(--color-button-text);
}

.reader-settings {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  position: absolute;
  right: 20px;
  z-index: 10;
}

.reader-control-btn {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  padding: 0;
  color: var(--color-accent);
  background: var(--blue-transparent);
  border: 1px solid var(--color-accent);
  border-radius: 5px;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.reader-control-btn:hover {
  background: var(--color-accent);
  color: var(--color-button-text);
  box-shadow: 0 0 10px var(--blue-glow);
}

/* Reading Content Area */
.reading-content {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
  margin-top: 0;
  padding: 0;
  background: transparent;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

/* Story Typography */
.story-text {
  margin-top: 0;
  padding: 30px;
  font-family: 'Georgia', 'Merriweather', 'Lora', serif;
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  line-height: 1.8;
  color: var(--reader-text);
  letter-spacing: 0.01rem;
  background: var(--reader-bg);
  border: 1px solid var(--reader-border);
  border-top: none;
  border-radius: 0 0 8px 8px;
}

.story-text p {
  margin-bottom: 0.8em;
  text-align: justify;
  text-indent: 0;
  hyphens: auto;
}

.story-text em {
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--reader-text);
}

.story-text strong {
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--reader-text);
}

/* Chapter Header */
.chapter-header {
  position: relative;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
  padding-bottom: 1rem;
  border-bottom: none;
  background: transparent;
  box-shadow: none;
}

.chapter-header h1 {
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;
  color: var(--color-accent);
  font-size: 2.2rem;
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  text-shadow: none;
}

.story-title {
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;
  color: var(--reader-text);
  font-size: 1.6rem;
  font-style: italic;
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  opacity: 0.9;
}

.chapter-number {
  font-weight: 400;
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--reader-text);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

/* Scene Breaker */
.scene-breaker {
  position: relative;
  margin: 3rem auto;
  width: 40%;
  max-width: 300px;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(
    to right, 
    transparent, 
    var(--reader-text) 25%, 
    var(--reader-text) 75%, 
    transparent
  );
  text-indent: -9999px;
  overflow: hidden;
}

/* Story CTA */
.story-cta {
  text-align: center;
  margin: 1rem 0 1rem;
  padding: 1.5rem;
  background: rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.08);
  border: 2px solid var(--cta-blue);
  border-radius: 8px;
}
.story-cta a {
  color: var(--cta-blue);
  font-weight: 600;
  text-decoration: underline;
}
.story-cta a:hover {
  color: var(--cta-blue-hover);
}

/* Chapter Footer Navigation */
.chapter-footer-nav {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 15px;
  margin-top: 2rem;
  padding-top: 0;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}

/* ====== 404 PAGE ====== */
.error-section {
  text-align: center;
  padding: 60px 20px;
  max-width: 600px;
  margin: 0 auto;
}

.error-section h2 {
  font-size: 6rem;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  opacity: 0.4;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
}

.error-primary {
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  font-style: italic;
}

.error-secondary {
  font-size: 1rem;
  opacity: 0.6;
  margin-bottom: 40px;
}

.error-actions {
  display: flex;
  gap: 16px;
  justify-content: center;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}

/* ========================================
   RESPONSIVE - TABLET & MOBILE (768px)
   ======================================== */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  body {
    background-attachment: scroll;
  }

.site-header .header-inner {
    flex-wrap: nowrap;
    padding: 8px 15px;
}

.logo {
    flex: 1;
    font-size: 1.2rem;
    min-width: 0;
}

  .header-logo-icon {
    height: 28px;
    margin-right: 4px;
  }

  .mobile-menu-btn {
    z-index: 1001;
    display: flex;
    flex-shrink: 0;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    width: 44px;
    height: 44px;
    padding: 10px;
    font-size: 1.2rem;
    color: var(--color-accent);
    background: var(--blue-transparent);
    border: 1px solid var(--color-accent);
    border-radius: 4px;
    transition: background-color 0.3s ease, border-color 0.3s ease;
  }

  .mobile-menu-btn:hover {
    background: rgba(74, 144, 217, 0.3);
    border-color: var(--color-accent);
  }

  nav {
    display: none;
    position: absolute;
    top: 100%;
    left: 0;
    right: 0;
    z-index: 999;
  }

  nav.menu-open {
    display: block;
    z-index: 1000;
  }

  .nav-links {
    display: none;
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 0;
    width: 100%;
    margin: 0;
    padding: 0;
    background: rgba(30, 30, 30, 0.98);
    border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
    border-top: none;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateY(-10px);
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
  }

  .nav-links.active {
    display: flex;
    opacity: 1;
    transform: translateY(0);
  }

  .nav-links a {
    padding: 15px 30px;
    font-size: 1rem;
    text-align: center;
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border);
  }

  .nav-links a:last-child {
    border-bottom: none;
  }

  .nav-links a:hover {
    color: var(--color-accent);
    background: var(--blue-transparent);
  }

  .nav-links a::after {
    display: none;
  }

  main {
    padding: 0;
  }

  .container {
    padding: 0 15px;
  }

  .section-wrapper {
    padding: 20px 0;
  }

  main > .section-wrapper:last-child {
    border-bottom: none;
  }

  .content-section {
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: center;
    margin: 0;
    padding: 10px 0;
  }

  .book-feature {
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: center;
    text-align: center;
    padding: 1rem 0;
  }

  .book-feature .book-cover {
    flex: none;
    max-width: 250px;
  }

  .book-feature .book-text {
    align-items: center;
  }

  .book-feature .blurb {
    border-radius: 0 0 6px 6px;
    padding: 20px;
  }

  .book-feature .book-actions {
    justify-content: center;
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: center;
  }

  .book-feature .heist-signup {
    text-align: center;
  }

  .book-feature .heist-signup p {
    text-align: center;
  }

  .book-feature .email-signup {
    margin: 0 auto;
  }

  .cta-section {
    padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
  }

  .about-content {
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 20px;
  }

  .author-photo {
    max-width: 200px;
  }

  .about-text {
    text-align: left;
  }

  .book-cover {
    max-width: 250px;
  }

  .flex-wrapper {
    padding: 0 10px;
    text-align: center;
  }

  .flex-wrapper p,
  .flex-wrapper ul,
  .card {
    text-align: left;
  }

.flex-wrapper p.service-rate {
  text-align: center;
}

  .card--feature,
  .card--feature .card-icon,
  .card--feature h4,
  .card--feature p {
    text-align: center;
  }

  .book-actions {
    justify-content: center;
  }

  .card-grid,
  .card-grid--narrow {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 20px;
  }

  .card {
    width: 100%;
  }

  .service-nav-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 30px;
    margin-top: 30px;
  }

  .service-nav-item {
    padding: 25px 20px;
  }

  .service-nav-item p {
    margin-bottom: 15px;
  }

  .genres-specialty {
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 1rem;
  }

  .story-grid-2col {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }

  .story-card-horizontal {
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: center;
    text-align: center;
  }

  .story-content-side h4 {
    margin-top: 15px;
    text-align: center;
  }

  .story-actions {
    justify-content: center;
  }

  .series-strip {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 32px;
    max-width: 280px;
  }

  .series-strip-item {
    filter: brightness(1);
  }

  .series-strip-item img {
    max-width: 200px;
  }

  .contact-form-wrapper form {
    padding: 20px;
  }

  .form-group input[type="text"],
  .form-group input[type="email"],
  .form-group select,
  .form-group textarea {
    font-size: 16px;
  }

  .back-to-top {
    right: 15px;
    bottom: 80px;
  }

  .footer-social {
    gap: 18px;
  }

  .footer-social a {
    font-size: 1.3rem;
  }

  .footer-legal {
    font-size: 0.85rem;
  }

  .blurb {
    border-radius: 0 0 6px 6px;
    padding: 20px;
  }

  /* Reader mobile styles */
  .narrow-reader {
    padding: 0 10px;
  }

  .reader-nav-top {
    top: 0px;
    padding: 8px 15px;
    min-height: 52px;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    align-items: flex-start;
  }
  
  .reader-nav-top .reader-nav-back {
    order: 1;
    left: 15px;
  }
  
  .reader-nav-top .reader-settings {
    order: 2;
    right: 15px;
    z-index: 10;
  }

  .chapter-dropdown-container {
    order: 3;
    display: none;
  }

  .reader-nav-back {
    height: 36px;
    font-size: 0.85rem;
  }

  .reader-control-btn {
    width: 36px;
    height: 36px;
    font-size: 1rem;
  }

  .reading-content {
    margin-top: 0;
    padding: 0;
  }

  .story-text {
    padding: 20px 15px;
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    line-height: 1.7;
    border-left: none;
    border-right: none;
    border-radius: 0;
  }

  .story-text p {
    text-align: left;
  }

  .chapter-header {
    margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
    padding-bottom: 1.5rem;
  }

  .chapter-header h1 {
    font-size: 1.8rem;
  }

  .chapter-footer-nav {
    margin-top: 2rem;
    padding-top: 0;
    gap: 10px;
  }

  .chapter-footer-nav .button {
    font-size: 0.9rem;
    padding: 10px 15px;
  }

  .chapter-footer-nav a[href="archive.php"] {
    display: none;
  }
}

/* ========================================
   RESPONSIVE - TABLET (between 769px and 1024px)
   ======================================== */
@media (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 1024px) {
  .chapter-dropdown-container {
    display: block;
    max-width: 300px;
  }
  
  .chapter-dropdown {
    font-size: 0.9rem;
    min-width: 180px;
    max-width: 300px;
  }
}

/* ========================================
   RESPONSIVE - SMALL MOBILE (480px)
   Only overrides that differ from the
   768px breakpoint — everything else
   cascades down automatically.
   ======================================== */
@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .container {
    padding: 0 12px;
  }

  .logo {
    font-size: 1.2rem;
  }

  .mobile-menu-btn {
    width: 40px;
    height: 40px;
    font-size: 1.1rem;
  }

  .content-section {
    padding: 10px 0;
  }

  .story-text {
    padding: 15px 10px;
    font-size: 1.05rem;
  }

  .chapter-header h1 {
    font-size: 1.5rem;
  }
  
  .reader-nav-top {
    width: 100% !important;
    max-width: 100% !important;
    padding: 8px 10px;
  }
  
  .reader-nav-top .reader-nav-back {
    left: 10px;
    font-size: 0.8rem;
    padding: 0 10px;
  }
  
  .reader-nav-top .reader-settings {
    right: 10px;
  }

  .error-section h2 {
    font-size: 4rem;
  }

  .error-primary {
    font-size: 1.2rem;
  }

}

/* ========================================
   LARGER SCREENS - GENRES/SPECIALTY LAYOUT
   ======================================== */
@media (min-width: 769px) {
  .genres-specialty {
    flex-direction: row;
    justify-content: center;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 3rem;
  }
}

/* Responsive adjustment for About & Contact page */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
    .about-contact-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
        gap: 20px !important;
    }
    .author-sidebar {
        max-width: 300px;
        margin: 0 auto;
    }

    .contact-details {
        text-align: center !important;
        margin-top: 20px;
    }
}

/* ========================================
   GLOBAL OVERFLOW FIX
   ======================================== */
html, body {
	background-color: #0A0A0A !important;
	max-width: 100% !important;
	overflow-x: hidden !important;
	position: relative;
}

/* ========================================
   FINAL MOBILE CAROUSEL FIX
   ======================================== */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .testimonial-slide .card {
    width: 100% !important;
    box-sizing: border-box !important;
    word-wrap: break-word !important;
  }

  /* On mobile, bypass the absolute-position/opacity transition system entirely.
     Use display show/hide instead so the track sizes naturally to the active
     slide rather than being locked to the tallest slide's mobile-wrapped height. */
  .testimonial-slide {
    position: relative !important;
    top: auto !important;
    left: auto !important;
    opacity: 1 !important;
    display: none;
    pointer-events: auto !important;
    padding: 0;
  }
  .testimonial-slide.active {
    display: block;
  }
  .testimonial-track {
    min-height: 0 !important;
  }
} /* Final Media Query Close */

/* ========================================
   LOW-QUALITY IMAGE PLACEHOLDER (LQIP)
   ======================================== */
.lazy-blur {
  width: 100%;
  height: auto;
  display: block;
  filter: blur(20px);
  transform: scale(1.05); /* Conceals pixelated edges */
  opacity: 0.8;
  transition: filter 0.5s ease-out, opacity 0.5s ease-out, transform 0.5s ease-out;
}

/* Snaps back to crisp clarity and full opacity once loaded */
.lazy-blur.loaded {
  filter: blur(0);
  opacity: 1;
  transform: scale(1);
}