He leaned back, the book finally open, the lighting perfect, and the dog undisturbed. The house wasn't just smart; it was finally listening.
The Caseta responded instantly. The kitchen lights killed over, the hallway dimmed to a guide-light glimmer, and the living room faded into a deep, cinematic twilight.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Elias didn’t get up. He didn't even reach for the wall. He simply tapped his phone. The harsh glare of the living room softened into a warm, amber glow—exactly 20% brightness. "Alexa, movie mode," he whispered, testing the limits.
