/* ============================================================
       GLOBAL CUSTOM PROPERTIES — The Immutable 90%
       ============================================================ */
    :root {
      /* Core palette */
      --c-void:        #11100d;  /* For deepest background */
      --c-iron:        #1e1c18;  /* For lighter background */
      --c-charcoal:    #3a352c;  /* Mid tone */
      --c-ash:         #706c60;  /* Light tone */
      --c-mid:         #909393;  /* Subtle highlight */
      --c-bone:        #d4cdbe;  /* Main text */
      --c-bone-dim:    #a69f8d;  /* Deepest text */
      --c-white:       #ece6db;  /* Brightest text */

      /* Typography */
      --f-display: 'Cormorant Garamond', Georgia, serif;
      --f-body:    'Inter', system-ui, sans-serif;

      /* Spacing rhythm */
      --sp-xs: 0.5rem;
      --sp-s:  1rem;
      --sp-m:  2rem;
      --sp-l:  4rem;
      --sp-xl: 4rem;

      /* Bookshelf — global gap between spines (adjust to space books out) */
      --shelf-gap: 6px;

      /* Transition timing */
      --tx-theme: 1200ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
      --tx-slide: 800ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
      --tx-fast:  300ms ease;

      /* Theme-injected properties */
      --theme-texture-hero:       none;
      --theme-texture-about:      none;
      --theme-texture-cta:        none;
      --theme-accent-glow:        transparent;
    }

    /* ============================================================
       RESET & BASE
       ============================================================ */
    *, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }

    html {
      scroll-behavior: smooth;
      font-size: 16px;
    }

    body {
      background-color: var(--c-void);
      color: var(--c-bone);
      font-family: var(--f-body);
      font-weight: 300;
      line-height: 1.7;
      overflow-x: hidden;
    }

    img { display: block; max-width: 100%; }

    /* ============================================================
       TYPOGRAPHY SCALE
       ============================================================ */
    .t-eyebrow {
      font-family: var(--f-body);
      font-size: 1.1rem;
      font-weight: 500;
      letter-spacing: 0.25em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--c-bone-dim);
    }

    .t-display {
      font-family: var(--f-display);
      font-size: clamp(3.5rem, 8vw, 7rem);
      font-weight: 300;
      line-height: 0.95;
      letter-spacing: -0.02em;
      color: var(--c-white);
    }

    .t-title {
      font-family: var(--f-display);
      font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 4vw, 3rem);
      font-weight: 300;
      line-height: 1.1;
      color: var(--c-white);
    }

    .t-body {
      font-family: var(--f-body);
      font-size: 1.1rem;
      font-weight: 300;
      line-height: 1.85;
      color: var(--c-bone-dim);
    }



    /* ============================================================
       LAYOUT UTILITIES
       ============================================================ */
    .container {
      width: 100%;
      max-width: 1100px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      padding: 0 var(--sp-m);
    }

    .section-divider {
      width: 40px;
      height: 1px;
      background: var(--c-ash);
      margin: var(--sp-m) 0;
    }

    .sr-only{
      position:absolute;
      width: 1%;
      height: 1px;
      padding: 0;
      overflow: hidden;
      clip: rect(0,0,0,0);
      white-space: nowrap;
      border: 0
    } 

    /* ============================================================
       ██  HERO SECTION
       ============================================================ */
    #hero {
      position: relative;
      width: 100%;
      height:5rem;
   /*   max-height: 100svh; */
   /*   min-height: 600px; */
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      overflow: hidden;
      background-color: var(--c-void);
    }

    /* Noise grain overlay */
    #hero::before {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      background-image:
        url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg viewBox='0 0 256 256' xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%3E%3Cfilter id='n'%3E%3CfeTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='0.9' numOctaves='4' stitchTiles='stitch'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Crect width='100%25' height='100%25' filter='url(%23n)' opacity='0.035'/%3E%3C/svg%3E");
      background-size: 256px 256px;
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    /* The theme texture overlay — decorative book-specific background */
    #hero .theme-margin {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: 0;
      opacity: 0;
      transition: opacity var(--tx-theme);
      background-image: var(--theme-texture-hero);
      background-position: center center;
      background-repeat: no-repeat;
      background-size: cover;
    }

    [data-theme] #hero .theme-margin {
      opacity: 1;
    }

    /* Bottom vignette bleed-fade */
    #hero::after {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      bottom: 0;
      left: 0;
      right: 0;
      height: 280px;
      background: linear-gradient(to bottom, transparent, var(--c-void));
      z-index: 3;
      pointer-events: none;
    }

    .hero__inner {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 4;
      width: 100%;
      padding: var(--sp-m) 0 var(--sp-m);
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 0.5fr;
      grid-template-rows: auto;
      gap: var(--sp-l);
      align-items: center;
    }

    /* NAV */
    .hero__nav_bg {
      background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--c-void) 80%, transparent);
      max-width: 100%;
      z-index: 9;
      --mask: linear-gradient(to bottom, 
        rgba(0,0,0, 1) 0,   rgba(0,0,0, 1) 65%, 
        rgba(0,0,0, 0) 100%, rgba(0,0,0, 0) 0
      ) 100% 50% / 100% 100% repeat-x;
      -webkit-mask: var(--mask); 
      mask: var(--mask);
    }
    
    .hero__nav {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 10;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      padding: var(--sp-s) var(--sp-m);
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .nav-logo {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 0.6rem;
      text-decoration: none;
    }

    .nav-logo__mark {
      width: 64px;
      height: 64px;
      flex-shrink: 0;
      display: block;
      transition: opacity var(--tx-fast);
    }

    .nav-logo:hover .nav-logo__mark {
      opacity: 0.7;
    }

    .nav-logo__wordmark {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      height: 100%;
      line-height: 1;
    }

    .nav-logo__name {
      font-family: var(--f-display);
      font-size: 2.3rem;
      font-weight: 400;
      letter-spacing: 0.06em;
      color: var(--c-white);
      transition: color var(--tx-fast);
    }

    .nav-logo:hover .nav-logo__name { color: var(--c-bone-dim); }

    /* Standalone monogram used in portrait caption, footer, etc. */
    .ff-mark {
      display: inline-block;
      vertical-align: middle;
    }


    /* HERO TEXT SIDE */
    .hero__text {
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: var(--sp-s);
    }


    .hero__author-tag::before {
      content: '';
      display: block;
      width: 24px;
      height: 1px;
      background: var(--c-mid);
    }

    .hero__book-title {
      font-family: var(--f-display);
      font-size: clamp(3rem, 7vw, 6.5rem);
      font-weight: 350;
      line-height: 0.92;
      letter-spacing: -0.03em;
      color: var(--c-white);
      margin: var(--sp-s) 0;
    }

    .hero__tagline {
      font-family: var(--f-display);
      font-size: clamp(1rem, 2vw, 1.4rem);
      font-weight: 400;
      color: var(--c-bone);
      line-height: 1.4;
      max-width: 55ch;
      background: rgba(0,0,0,.35);
      padding: 1rem;
      border-radius: 0.5rem;
    }

    .hero__meta {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: var(--sp-m);
      margin-top: var(--sp-m);
      padding-top: var(--sp-m);
      border-top: 1px solid var(--c-ash);
    }

    .hero__cta-btn {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 0.5em;
      padding: 0.75em 1.6em;
      background: transparent;
      border: 1px solid var(--c-bone-dim);
      color: var(--c-bone);
      font-family: var(--f-body);
      font-size: 0.7rem;
      font-weight: 500;
      letter-spacing: 0.2em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      text-decoration: none;
      cursor: pointer;
      transition: background var(--tx-fast), color var(--tx-fast), border-color var(--tx-fast);
    }

    .hero__cta-btn:hover {
      background: var(--c-bone);
      color: var(--c-void);
      border-color: var(--c-bone);
    }

    /* Button group — preorder + sample */
    .hero__btn-group {
      display: flex;
      gap: var(--sp-s);
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      align-items: center;
    }

    .hero__cta-btn--primary {
      background: var(--c-bone);
      border-color: var(--c-bone);
      color: var(--c-void);
    }

    .hero__cta-btn--primary:hover {
      background: var(--c-white);
      border-color: var(--c-white);
      color: var(--c-void);
    }

    .hero__cta-btn--ghost {
      background: transparent;
      border-color: var(--c-ash);
      color: var(--c-bone-dim);
    }

    .hero__cta-btn--ghost:hover {
      background: transparent;
      border-color: var(--c-bone-dim);
      color: var(--c-bone);
    }

    .hero__genre-tag {
      font-size: 0.75rem;
      letter-spacing: 0.15em;
      font-weight: 500;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--c-mid);
    }

    /* HERO BOOK COVER SIDE */
    .hero__visual {
      display: flex;
      justify-content: right;
      align-items: center;
      position: relative;
    }

    .book-cover-wrap {
      position: relative;
      width: clamp(180px, 25vw, 300px);
      cursor: pointer;
    }

    .book-cover-wrap::before {
      /* Atmospheric glow behind cover */
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      inset: -20px;
      background: radial-gradient(ellipse at center, var(--theme-accent-glow, transparent) 0%, transparent 70%);
      border-radius: 4px;
      transition: background var(--tx-theme);
      z-index: 0;
    }

    .book-cover {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      width: 100%;
      aspect-ratio: 2/3;
      border-radius: 2px;
      box-shadow:
        -6px 6px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.4),
        -12px 12px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),
        -2px 0 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.8);
      overflow: hidden;
      transition: transform var(--tx-fast);
    }

    .book-cover:hover { transform: translateX(4px) translateY(-4px); }

    .book-cover__inner {
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      justify-content: flex-end;
      padding: 1.5rem;
      transition: background var(--tx-theme);
    }

    /* Per-slide cover backgrounds */
    .book-cover__inner[data-book="scifi"] {
      background:
        linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(8,8,8,0) 30%, rgba(8,8,8,0.95) 100%),
        linear-gradient(135deg, #0a1520 0%, #0d1f2d 30%, #061018 60%, #080c10 100%);
    }
    .book-cover__inner[data-book="gothic"] {
      background:
        linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(8,8,8,0) 30%, rgba(8,8,8,0.95) 100%),
        linear-gradient(135deg, #15080c 0%, #1f0d12 30%, #100608 60%, #080808 100%);
    }
    .book-cover__inner[data-book="arcane"] {
      background:
        linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(8,8,8,0) 30%, rgba(8,8,8,0.95) 100%),
        linear-gradient(135deg, #100d05 0%, #1a150a 30%, #0d0a04 60%, #080808 100%);
    }

    /* Decorative cover art shapes */
    .book-cover__art {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      overflow: hidden;
      opacity: 0.6;
    }

    .book-cover__title-text {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 2;
    }

    .book-cover__title-text .bk-title {
      font-family: var(--f-display);
      font-size: 1.3rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      color: var(--c-white);
      line-height: 1.1;
      letter-spacing: -0.01em;
    }

    .book-cover__title-text .bk-author {
      font-family: var(--f-body);
      font-size: 0.55rem;
      font-weight: 500;
      letter-spacing: 0.2em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--c-bone-dim);
      margin-top: 0.3rem;
    }

    /* SLIDESHOW DOTS */
    /* ── BOOKSHELF ───────────────────────────────────────────── */
    .hero__shelf {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 10;
      flex-shrink: 0;
      /* overflow:hidden clips the plank pseudo-element cleanly */
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .shelf {
      position: relative;
      display: flex;
      align-items: flex-end;
      justify-content: center; /* centred by default when content fits */
      gap: var(--shelf-gap, 6px); /* global spacing between books */
      /* Scrollable: horizontal scroll only.
         NOTE: overflow-x:auto + overflow-y:visible gets coerced to
         overflow-y:auto by spec in most browsers — causing an unwanted
         vertical scrollbar. Use hidden on the y-axis instead, with enough
         top padding to absorb the hover-lift transform (max 12px). */
      overflow-x: auto;
      overflow-y: hidden;
      scroll-behavior: smooth;
      -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;
      scrollbar-width: none;        /* Firefox */
      padding: 24px var(--sp-m) 0; /* top pad = lift clearance so books don't clip */
      /* Fade edges to hint at more books */
      -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(
        to right,
        transparent 0%,
        black 40px,
        black calc(100% - 40px),
        transparent 100%
      );
      mask-image: linear-gradient(
        to right,
        transparent 0%,
        black 40px,
        black calc(100% - 40px),
        transparent 100%
      );
      cursor: grab;
      user-select: none;
    }

    .shelf::-webkit-scrollbar { display: none; }

    /* When the shelf has more books than fit, left-align so scroll feels natural */
    .shelf.is-overflowing {
      justify-content: flex-start;
    }


    .shelf.is-dragging {
      cursor: grabbing;
      scroll-behavior: auto; /* disable smooth during drag */
    }

    /* The wooden shelf plank underneath the books — more defined depth */
    .shelf::after {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      bottom: -18px;
      left: 0;
      right: 0;
      height: 18px;
      background: linear-gradient(180deg,
        var(--c-charcoal) 0%,
        var(--c-iron) 45%,
        var(--c-void) 100%
      );
      box-shadow:
        0 6px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.7),
        0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.05) inset;
      border-radius: 0 0 2px 2px;
    }

    /* Shelf top edge highlight — where books meet the plank */
    .shelf::before {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      bottom: -18px;
      left: 0;
      right: 0;
      height: 2px;
      background: linear-gradient(90deg,
        transparent 0%,
        var(--c-bone-dim) 50%,
        transparent 100%
      );
      opacity: 0.3;
      z-index: 2;
    }

    /* Individual book spine */
    .shelf-book {
      position: relative;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      justify-content: flex-end;
      align-items: center;
      cursor: pointer;
      border: none;
      padding: 0;
      background: none;
      transform-origin: bottom center;
      transition:
        transform 300ms cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1),
        filter 300ms ease;
      /* slight lean variation per book, set inline */
    }

    .shelf-book:hover {
      transform: translateY(-12px) rotate(0deg) !important;
      filter: brightness(1.2);
      z-index: 5;
    }

    .shelf-book.active {
      transform: translateY(-8px) !important;
      filter: brightness(1.3);
      z-index: 4;
    }

    .shelf-book.active .book-spine::after {
      opacity: 1;
    }

    /* The spine face */
    .book-spine {
      position: relative;
      border-radius: 1px 0 0 1px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      overflow: visible;
      /* width/height set inline per book for natural variation */
      box-shadow:
        2px 0 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),
        inset -2px 0 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.3),
        inset 1px 0 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.08);
    }

    /* Active glow underline */
    .book-spine::after {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      bottom: 0;
      left: -3px;
      right: -3px;
      height: 4px;
      background: var(--spine-highlight-color, transparent);
      box-shadow: 0 0 8px var(--spine-highlight-glow, transparent);
      opacity: 0;
      transition: opacity 300ms ease;
    }

    /* Spine title text — rotated 90deg */
    .spine-title {
      writing-mode: vertical-rl;
      text-orientation: mixed;
      transform: rotate(180deg);
      font-family: var(--f-display);
      font-size: 0.75rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      letter-spacing: 0.12em;
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75);
      white-space: nowrap;
      overflow: hidden;
      text-overflow: ellipsis;
      max-height: 90%;
      padding: 0.4rem 0;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 2;
    }

    /* Spine decorative line */
    .book-spine::before {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      top: 8px;
      bottom: 8px;
      left: 3px;
      width: 1px;
      background: rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
    }


    /* ── Per-book colour themes ── */
    /* Sci-Fi: cold steel blue */
    .shelf-book[data-book="scifi"] .book-spine {
      background: linear-gradient(180deg, #0d1f2d 0%, #152535 30%, #0a1820 70%, #060f18 100%);
    }
    .shelf-book[data-book="scifi"].active .book-spine,
    .shelf-book[data-book="scifi"]:hover .book-spine {
      background: linear-gradient(180deg, #122840 0%, #1a3550 30%, #0f2030 70%, #08141e 100%);
    }

    /* Gothic: deep crimson */
    .shelf-book[data-book="gothic"] .book-spine {
      background: linear-gradient(180deg, #1a0810 0%, #250d16 30%, #180810 70%, #0a0408 100%);
    }
    .shelf-book[data-book="gothic"].active .book-spine,
    .shelf-book[data-book="gothic"]:hover .book-spine {
      background: linear-gradient(180deg, #220a14 0%, #2e1020 30%, #1c0a12 70%, #0d0508 100%);
    }

    /* Arcane: aged amber/ochre */
    .shelf-book[data-book="arcane"] .book-spine {
      background: linear-gradient(180deg, #1a1408 0%, #221a0a 30%, #161008 70%, #0a0c04 100%);
    }
    .shelf-book[data-book="arcane"].active .book-spine,
    .shelf-book[data-book="arcane"]:hover .book-spine {
      background: linear-gradient(180deg, #221a08 0%, #2e2210 30%, #1a1408 70%, #0e0e06 100%);
    }

    /* Mobile bookshelf */
    @media (max-width: 768px) {
      .shelf { padding: 0 var(--sp-s); }
      .shelf-book:hover { transform: translateY(-8px) !important; }
    }


    /* Spacer dummy — holds stage height during transitions, never visible */
    .slide-dummy {
      position: relative;
      width: 100%;
      visibility: hidden;
      pointer-events: none;
      /* Matches .hero__inner layout exactly */
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      gap: var(--sp-l);
      padding: var(--sp-m) 0;
      z-index: 0;
    }

    .slide-dummy__text {
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: var(--sp-s);
    }

    /* Dummy title — tallest element, drives the height */
    .slide-dummy__title {
      font-family: var(--f-display);
      font-size: clamp(3rem, 7vw, 6.5rem);
      line-height: 0.92;
      /* Two lines like the real titles */
      white-space: pre;
    }

    /* Dummy tagline */
    .slide-dummy__tagline {
      font-size: clamp(1rem, 2vw, 1.4rem);
      line-height: 1.4;
      max-width: 42ch;
    }

    /* Dummy excerpt */
    .slide-dummy__excerpt {
      margin-top: var(--sp-m);
      padding: var(--sp-m);
    }

    .slide-dummy__excerpt p {
      font-size: clamp(0.85rem, 1.5vw, 1rem);
      line-height: 1.75;
    }

    /* Dummy excerpt source line */
    .slide-dummy__source {
      font-size: 0.6rem;
      margin-top: var(--sp-s);
    }

    /* Dummy meta row */
    .slide-dummy__meta {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: var(--sp-m);
      margin-top: var(--sp-m);
      padding-top: var(--sp-m);
    }

    /* Dummy cover */
    .slide-dummy__cover {
      width: clamp(180px, 25vw, 300px);
      aspect-ratio: 2/3;
      margin: 0 auto;
    }

    /* Mobile: match mobile hero__inner layout */
    @media (max-width: 768px) {
      .slide-dummy {
        display: none;
      }
      .slide-dummy__cover {
        width: clamp(100px, 26vw, 140px);
        order: -1;
      }
      .slide-dummy__title { font-size: clamp(2.2rem, 10vw, 3.2rem); }
    }

    @media (max-width: 400px) {
      .slide-dummy__excerpt { display: none; }
      .slide-dummy__title { font-size: 2.2rem; }
      .slide-dummy__cover { width: 90px; }
    }

    /* ============================================================
       SLIDE TRANSITION STATES
       ============================================================ */
    /* Slide stage — flex:1 fills all space below the nav, clips overflowing covers */
    .hero__stage {
      position: relative;
      flex: 1;
      min-height: 0;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    /* Hidden by default — visibility:hidden keeps layout, prevents interaction */
    .slide-content {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      pointer-events: none;
      visibility: hidden;
    }

    .slide-content .container {
      width: 100%;
    }

    .slide-content .hero__inner {
      opacity: 0;
      transform: translateY(12px);
      transition: opacity var(--tx-slide), transform var(--tx-slide);
    }

    /* Active slide — fully visible */
    .slide-content.active {
      visibility: visible;
      pointer-events: auto;
    }

    .slide-content.active .hero__inner {
      opacity: 1;
      transform: translateY(0);
    }

    /* Exiting slide — stays visible during transition, then hidden by JS */
    .slide-content.exiting {
      visibility: visible;
    }

    .slide-content.exiting .hero__inner {
      opacity: 0;
      transform: translateY(-8px);
    }

    /* ============================================================
       ██  ABOUT SECTION
       ============================================================ */
    #about {
      position: relative;
      padding: var(--sp-xl) 0;
      background-color: var(--c-void);
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    /* 50% strength texture — very faint, margins only */
    #about::before {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      top: 0; left: 0;
      width: 150px;
      height: 150px;
      background-image: var(--theme-texture-about);
      background-repeat: no-repeat;
      background-size: 300px 300px;
      opacity: 0.5;
      pointer-events: none;
      transition: opacity var(--tx-theme), background-image var(--tx-theme);
    }

    #about::after {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      bottom: 0; right: 0;
      width: 150px;
      height: 150px;
      background-image: var(--theme-texture-about);
      background-repeat: no-repeat;
      background-size: 300px 300px;
      background-position: bottom right;
      opacity: 0.5;
      pointer-events: none;
      transition: opacity var(--tx-theme), background-image var(--tx-theme);
    }

    .about__inner {
      display: block;
      max-width: 1000px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 2;
    }






    /* Small circular author portrait — modest, sits beside the eyebrow */
    .about__header {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: var(--sp-s);
      margin-bottom: var(--sp-xs);
    }

    .about__portrait {
      width: 84px;
      height: 84px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      overflow: hidden;
      flex-shrink: 0;
      border: 1px solid var(--c-ash);
      background: radial-gradient(ellipse 60% 55% at 50% 30%, var(--c-charcoal) 0%, var(--c-iron) 60%, var(--c-void) 100%);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
    }

    .about__portrait img {
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      object-fit: cover;
      display: block;
    }

    .about__portrait svg {
      opacity: 0.25;
    }

    /* ABOUT TEXT */
    .about__text {
      padding-top: 0;
    }

    .about__bio p + p {
      margin-top: var(--sp-m);
    }


    /* ============================================================
       ██  NEWSLETTER CTA — THE ANCHOR (locked, immutable)
       ============================================================ */
    #newsletter {
      position: relative;
      padding: var(--sp-xl) 0;
      background-color: var(--c-iron);
      border-top: 1px solid var(--c-ash);
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    /* Trace-strength texture — deeply faded background watermark */
    #newsletter::before {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      top: 50%;
      left: 50%;
      transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
      width: 500px;
      height: 500px;
      background-image: var(--theme-texture-cta);
      background-repeat: no-repeat;
      background-size: 500px 500px;
      background-position: center;
      pointer-events: none;
      /* Trace level: near-invisible */
      opacity: 0.6;
      transition: background-image var(--tx-theme);
    }

    .newsletter__inner {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 2;
      max-width: 520px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      text-align: center;
    }

    .newsletter__heading {
      font-family: var(--f-display);
      font-size: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 3.5rem);
      font-weight: 300;
      line-height: 1.05;
      color: var(--c-white);
      margin: var(--sp-s) 0 var(--sp-m);
    }

    .newsletter__sub {
      font-size: 1.1rem;
      color: var(--c-bone-dim);
      line-height: 1.8;
      margin-bottom: var(--sp-m);
      max-width: 44ch;
      margin-left: auto;
      margin-right: auto;
    }

    /* THE LOCKED FORM — identical across all themes */
    .newsletter__form {
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: var(--sp-s);
    }

    .form-row {
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: var(--sp-s);
      margin-left: var(--sp-s);
      margin-right: var(--sp-s);
    }

    @media (min-width: 600px) {
      .form-row {
        flex-direction: row;
      }
    }

    .form-input {
      flex: 1;
      background: var(--c-charcoal);
      border: 1px solid var(--c-ash);
      color: var(--c-ash);
      font-family: var(--f-body);
      font-size: 0.8rem;
      font-weight: 300;
      padding: 0.85em 1.2em;
      outline: none;
      transition: border-color var(--tx-fast);
      appearance: none;
      border-radius: 0;
      width: 100%;
    }

    @media (min-width: 600px) {
      .form-input {
        width: auto;
      }
    }

    .form-input::placeholder {
      color: var(--c-mid);
    }

    .form-input:focus {
      border-color: var(--c-bone-dim);
    }

    /* THE ANCHOR BUTTON — permanently locked style */
    .btn-subscribe {
      width: auto;
      padding: 1em;
      background: var(--c-bone);
      border: 1px solid var(--c-bone);
      color: var(--c-void);
      font-family: var(--f-body);
      font-size: 0.7rem;
      font-weight: 500;
      letter-spacing: 0.25em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      cursor: pointer;
      transition: background var(--tx-fast), color var(--tx-fast);
      border-radius: 0;
      margin-left: var(--sp-s);
      margin-right: var(--sp-s);

    }

    .btn-subscribe:hover {
      background: var(--c-white);
      border-color: var(--c-white);
    }

    .newsletter__consent {
      font-size: 0.65rem;
      color: var(--c-mid);
      line-height: 1.6;
      margin-top: var(--sp-s);
    }

    .newsletter__consent a {
      color: var(--c-bone-dim);
    }

    /* ============================================================
       MODALS
       ============================================================ */
    .modal {
      display: none;
      position: fixed;
      top: 0;
      left: 0;
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8);
      z-index: 1000;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      padding: var(--sp-m);
      backdrop-filter: blur(2px);
    }

    .modal.active {
      display: flex;
      animation: fadeIn 300ms ease;
    }

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

    .modal__content {
      background: var(--c-iron);
      border: 1px solid var(--c-ash);
      max-width: 600px;
      max-height: 90vh;
      overflow-y: auto;
      padding: var(--sp-l);
      position: relative;
      border-radius: 2px;
    }

    .modal__close {
      position: absolute;
      top: var(--sp-m);
      right: var(--sp-m);
      background: none;
      border: none;
      color: var(--c-bone);
      cursor: pointer;
      font-size: 1.5rem;
      padding: 0;
      width: 32px;
      height: 32px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      transition: color var(--tx-fast);
    }

    .modal__close:hover {
      color: var(--c-white);
    }

    .modal__heading {
      font-family: var(--f-display);
      font-size: 2rem;
      font-weight: 300;
      color: var(--c-white);
      margin-bottom: var(--sp-m);
      padding-right: 40px;
    }

    .modal__text {
      font-size: 1rem;
      color: var(--c-bone);
      line-height: 1.8;
    }

    .modal__text p {
      margin-bottom: var(--sp-m);
    }

    .about__social {
      display: flex;
      gap: var(--sp-m);
      margin-bottom: var(--sp-l);
      padding-bottom: var(--sp-m);
      border-bottom: 1px solid var(--c-ash);
      flex-wrap: wrap;
    }

    .social-link {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 0.5rem;
      color: var(--c-bone-dim);
      text-decoration: none;
      font-family: var(--f-body);
      font-size: 0.8rem;
      font-weight: 500;
      letter-spacing: 0.1em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      transition: color var(--tx-fast);
    }

    .social-link:hover {
      color: var(--c-bone);
    }

    .social-link svg {
      width: 18px;
      height: 18px;
    }

    /* ============================================================
       FOOTER
       ============================================================ */
    footer {
      padding: var(--sp-m) 0;
      background: var(--c-void);
      border-top: 1px solid var(--c-ash);
    }

    .footer__inner {
      display: flex;
      justify-content: space-between;
      align-items: center;
      font-size: 0.75rem;
      color: var(--c-mid);
      letter-spacing: 0.1em;
    }

    .footer__inner a {
      color: var(--c-mid);
      text-decoration: none;
      transition: color var(--tx-fast);
    }

    .footer__inner a:hover { color: var(--c-bone-dim); }

    /* ============================================================
       REDUCED MOTION
       ============================================================ */
    @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
      * { transition-duration: 0ms !important; }
    }

    /* ============================================================
       RESPONSIVE
       ============================================================ */
    /* ============================================================
       MOBILE — complete hero re-layout
       On mobile we drop the absolute-slide approach and stack
       everything in normal flow so height is determined by content.
       ============================================================ */
    @media (max-width: 768px) {

      /* Hero: auto height, scroll if needed */
      #hero {
        height: auto;
        min-height: 100svh;
        padding-bottom: auto;
      }
    #hero .theme-margin {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: 0;
      opacity: 0;
      transition: opacity var(--tx-theme);
      background-image: var(--theme-texture-hero);
      background-position: center -2.5em;
      background-repeat: no-repeat;
      background-size: cover;
    }
      /* Stage: normal flow, no overflow clip — height comes from content */
      .hero__stage {
        position: static;
        flex: 1;
        display: flex;
        flex-direction: column;
        overflow: visible;
      }

      /* All slides: pull out of absolute stack, hide with display:none */
      .slide-content {
        position: static;
        display: none;
        visibility: visible;
        pointer-events: auto;
      }

      /* Only the active slide is shown */
      .slide-content.active {
        display: flex;
        visibility: visible;
      }

      /* No fade animation on mobile — just swap */
      .slide-content .hero__inner {
        opacity: 1 !important;
        transform: none !important;
        transition: none !important;
      }

      /* Single column layout: cover top-centre, text below */
      .hero__inner {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        gap: var(--sp-s);
        text-align: center;
        padding: var(--sp-s) 0 var(--sp-m);
        align-items: center;
      }

      .hero__visual { order: -1;       
        justify-content: center;}
      .book-cover-wrap { width: clamp(100px, 26vw, 140px); }


      .hero__book-title {
        font-size: clamp(2.2rem, 10vw, 3.2rem);
        margin: var(--sp-xs) 0;
      }

      .hero__tagline {
        max-width: 100%;
      }


      /* Buttons: full-width stack */
      .hero__meta {
        flex-direction: column;
        align-items: center;
        gap: var(--sp-s);
        margin-top: var(--sp-s);
        padding-top: var(--sp-s);
      }

      .hero__btn-group {
        flex-direction: column;
        width: 100%;
        max-width: 300px;
      }

      .hero__cta-btn {
        width: 100%;
        justify-content: center;
        padding: 0.85em 1rem;
      }

      .hero__genre-tag { margin-top: var(--sp-xs); }

      /* Nav */
      .hero__nav { padding: var(--sp-s); }

      /* Bookshelf: compact scrollable strip */
      .hero__shelf {
        padding-bottom: 15px;
        padding-top: var(--sp-l);

      }

      .shelf {
        padding: 14px var(--sp-m) 0;
                padding-top: var(--sp-s);

        -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(
          to right,
          transparent 0%,
          black 24px,
          black calc(100% - 24px),
          transparent 100%
        );
        mask-image: linear-gradient(
          to right,
          transparent 0%,
          black 24px,
          black calc(100% - 24px),
          transparent 100%
        );
      }

      .shelf::after { height: 10px; bottom: -10px; }

      /* Smaller lifts on mobile */
      .shelf-book:hover  { transform: translateY(-6px) !important; }
      .shelf-book.active { transform: translateY(-5px) !important; }

      /* About */
      /* about__inner is now single-column block */

      .footer__inner { flex-direction: column; gap: var(--sp-s); }
    }

    /* Extra-small phones */
    @media (max-width: 400px) {
      .hero__excerpt { display: none; }
      .hero__book-title { font-size: 2.2rem; }
      .book-cover-wrap { width: 90px; }
    }