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

html,
body {
  overflow-x: hidden;
}

body {
  background: #0f0a0c;
  font-family: "Alegreya", serif;
  overflow-x: hidden;
  margin-left: 0;
  padding-left: 56px; /* keeps space for the left strip without causing overflow */
}

img,
svg,
video,
canvas {
  max-width: 100%;
  height: auto;
  display: block;
}

/* === Carousel Wrapper === */
.lux-banner {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  /* Full dynamic viewport height across browsers */
  height: 100vh;
  height: 100svh; /* small viewport height for iOS Safari */
  height: 100dvh; /* dynamic viewport height for modern browsers */
  min-height: 520px; /* fallback for small screens */
  overflow: hidden;
  background: #000;
}

/* === Slides === */
.lux-slide {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  /* no background-image here anymore since we use <img> */
  transition: opacity 1.2s ease;
  opacity: 0;
  z-index: 0;
}
.lux-slide.active {
  opacity: 1;
  z-index: 1;
}

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

/* === Curtain Panels === */
.curtain {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  display: flex;
  z-index: 2;
}

.curtain .panel {
  flex: 1;
  background-size: cover;
  background-position: center;
  transform-origin: center;
  transition: transform 1.5s cubic-bezier(0.77, 0, 0.175, 1);
}

.curtain.open .panel.left {
  transform: translateX(-100%);
}

.curtain.open .panel.right {
  transform: translateX(100%);
}

/* === Caption === */
.lux-caption {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 10%;
  left: 10%;
  color: #fff;
  z-index: 3;
  max-width: 600px;
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(30px);
  transition: opacity 1s ease, transform 1s ease;
}

.lux-slide.active .lux-caption {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: translateY(0);
  transition-delay: 0.5s;
}

.lux-caption h2 {
  font-size: 3rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #fff;
}

.lux-caption p {
  margin-top: 12px;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  color: #cfcfcf;
}

/* === Navigation Arrows === */
.lux-arrow {
  position: absolute;
  top: 50%;
  transform: translateY(-50%);
  color: #fff;
  font-size: 1.8rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  z-index: 4;
  transition: color 0.3s ease;
}

.lux-arrow:hover {
  color: #e84412;
}
.lux-arrow.left {
  left: 2%;
}
.lux-arrow.right {
  right: 2%;
}

/* === Dots === */
.lux-controls {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 5%;
  left: 50%;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  display: flex;
  gap: 10px;
  z-index: 4;
}

.lux-dot {
  width: 10px;
  height: 10px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 1px solid #fff;
  background: transparent;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.lux-dot.active {
  background: #e84412;
  border-color: #e84412;
}

/* ===== Tagline + Watermark (dark / luxe) ===== */
.lux-tag {
  position: relative;
  isolation: isolate;
  background: radial-gradient(
      1200px 500px at 20% -10%,
      rgba(188, 63, 142, 0.12),
      transparent 60%
    ),
    linear-gradient(180deg, #140c12 0%, #0f0a0c 100%);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
  padding: clamp(48px, 8vw, 100px) 20px clamp(48px, 8vw, 100px);
  /* keep safe distance from left strip on narrow screens */
  margin-left: 0;
}
@media (max-width: 980px) {
  .lux-tag {
    padding-left: calc(20px + 56px);
  } /* 56px = left strip */
}

.lux-tag__wrap {
  max-width: 1120px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  color: #f1e9ef;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}

.lux-tag__eyebrow {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: 12px;
  letter-spacing: 0.35em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #cbbfcc;
  opacity: 0.9;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
}

.lux-tag__title {
  font-size: clamp(32px, 5.2vw, 64px);
  line-height: 1.1;
  font-weight: 900;
  color: #ffffff;
  margin: 0 0 14px 0;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}

.lux-tag__lead {
  max-width: 720px;
  font-size: clamp(14px, 2.2vw, 18px);
  line-height: 1.7;
  color: #d8cfd6;
  margin-bottom: 26px;
}

/* subtle luxe CTA */
.lux-tag__cta {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  text-decoration: none;
  color: #fff;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  padding: 10px 14px;
  border-radius: 12px;
  background: linear-gradient(
    135deg,
    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12),
    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06)
  );
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  box-shadow: 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1), 0 10px 28px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25);
  transition: transform 0.25s cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1), filter 0.25s ease;
}
.lux-tag__cta:hover {
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  filter: brightness(1.05);
}
.lux-tag__cta i {
  opacity: 0.95;
}

/* ===== Tagline + Watermark (Light Grey) ===== */
.lux-tag.light {
  position: relative;
  isolation: isolate;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f7f7f9 0%, #f5f5f7 60%, #f2f2f4 100%);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
  padding: clamp(48px, 8vw, 100px) 20px clamp(48px, 8vw, 100px);
}

/* @media (max-width: 980px) {
 
  .lux-tag.light {
    padding-left: calc(20px + 56px);
  }
} */
/* keep content from hiding under the 56px left strip */

.lux-tag__wrap {
  max-width: 1120px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  color: #2a1630;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  animation: luxTagReveal 0.8s ease 0.1s both;
}

.lux-tag__eyebrow {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: 12px;
  letter-spacing: 0.35em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #7d6f7a;
  opacity: 0.9;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
}

.lux-tag__title {
  font-size: clamp(32px, 5.2vw, 64px);
  line-height: 1.12;
  font-weight: 900;
  color: #1f0e1a;
  margin: 0 0 14px 0;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}

.lux-tag__lead {
  max-width: 720px;
  font-size: clamp(14px, 2.2vw, 18px);
  line-height: 1.75;
  color: #5b4f58;
  margin-bottom: 26px;
}

/* Subtle, luxe CTA on light bg */
.lux-tag__cta {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  text-decoration: none;
  color: #1f0e1a;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  padding: 10px 14px;
  border-radius: 12px;
  background: linear-gradient(
    135deg,
    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9),
    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7)
  );
  border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
  box-shadow: 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 1), 0 10px 28px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
  transition: transform 0.25s cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1), filter 0.25s ease;
}
.lux-tag__cta:hover {
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  filter: brightness(1.03);
}
.lux-tag__cta i {
  opacity: 0.9;
}

/* WATERMARK – tuned for light background (visible but elegant) */
.lux-tag__watermark {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 1;

  font-weight: 900;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-size: clamp(42px, 16vw, 110px);
  line-height: 1;

  /* visible on light bg: darker grey fill + faint stroke + soft shadow */
  color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06); /* main fill */
  -webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.035); /* hairline outline */
  text-shadow: 0 6px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08); /* soft lift */

  transform: translateY(4%) skewY(-2deg);
  opacity: 0.9; /* strong enough to read, still background */
  mix-blend-mode: normal; /* ensure visibility on light bg */
}

/* Gentle entrance for content */
@keyframes luxTagReveal {
  from {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateY(8px);
  }
  to {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: translateY(0);
  }
}

/* ========= ORGANIC "STONE" WHY CHOOSE US ========= */
.vc-why-stone {
  position: relative;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f6f6f8 0%, #f4f4f5 100%);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
  padding: clamp(60px, 10vw, 120px) 20px;
  overflow: hidden;
  font-family: "Alegreya", serif;
}
/* @media (max-width: 980px) {
  .vc-why-stone {
    padding-left: calc(20px + 56px);
  } 
} */

.vc-why-stone__wrap {
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  text-align: center;
}
.vc-why-stone__eyebrow {
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.35em;
  font-size: 12px;
  color: #8a7b86;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.vc-why-stone__title {
  font-size: clamp(28px, 5vw, 48px);
  color: #1b1116;
  font-weight: 900;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.vc-why-stone__lead {
  color: #5d515c;
  font-size: 17px;
  max-width: 700px;
  margin: 0 auto 56px;
  line-height: 1.7;
}

/* --- GRID: 3 per row; last item centered --- */
.vc-why-stone__grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr));
  gap: 40px;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 3;
}
.stone:nth-child(7) {
  grid-column: 2;
  justify-self: center;
  width: min(100%, 86%);
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .vc-why-stone__grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));
  }
  .stone:nth-child(7) {
    grid-column: 1 / -1;
    justify-self: center;
    width: min(100%, 70%);
  }
}
@media (max-width: 620px) {
  .vc-why-stone__grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 34px;
  }
  .stone:nth-child(7) {
    grid-column: auto;
    width: 100%;
  }
}

/* --- STONES --- */
.stone {
  --shade1: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.92);
  --shade2: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.82);
  --edge: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);

  position: relative;
  padding: 74px 22px 22px;
  border-radius: 40% 60% 55% 45% / 55% 40% 60% 45%;
  background: radial-gradient(
      120% 140% at 20% 10%,
      rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6),
      rgba(255, 255, 255, 0) 60%
    ),
    linear-gradient(135deg, var(--shade1), var(--shade2));
  border: 1px solid var(--edge);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 18px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 1);
  transition: transform 0.35s ease, box-shadow 0.35s ease, filter 0.35s ease;
  cursor: default;
}
.stone::after {
  /* fine noise for stone texture */
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  border-radius: inherit;
  background-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAQAAAAECAQAAADZ4VfNAAAADElEQVQI12NgYGD4z8DAAAfFASJpQ2fTAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC");
  opacity: 0.25;
  mix-blend-mode: multiply;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.stone:hover {
  transform: translateY(-6px);
  box-shadow: 0 14px 36px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
  filter: brightness(1.02);
}

.stone i {
  position: absolute;
  top: -22px;
  left: 50%;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  background: linear-gradient(
    135deg,
    rgba(153, 15, 83, 0.95),
    rgba(188, 63, 142, 0.95)
  );
  color: #fff;
  border-radius: 50%;
  padding: 12px;
  font-size: 20px;
  box-shadow: 0 6px 22px rgba(153, 15, 83, 0.35),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
}
.stone h3 {
  font-size: 17px;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: #21121b;
  margin: 0 0 6px;
}
.stone p {
  font-size: 15px;
  color: #645a62;
  margin: 0;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

/* Organic silhouettes */
.stone--1 {
  border-radius: 50% 50% 40% 60% / 60% 50% 50% 40%;
}
.stone--2 {
  border-radius: 60% 40% 50% 50% / 50% 60% 40% 50%;
}
.stone--3 {
  border-radius: 55% 45% 60% 40% / 45% 55% 60% 40%;
}
.stone--4 {
  border-radius: 45% 55% 50% 50% / 50% 40% 60% 50%;
}
.stone--5 {
  border-radius: 50% 60% 45% 55% / 55% 45% 60% 50%;
}
.stone--6 {
  border-radius: 60% 45% 50% 55% / 50% 55% 45% 60%;
}
.stone--7 {
  border-radius: 55% 50% 60% 40% / 45% 60% 50% 55%;
}

/* Gentle float for life */
@keyframes floatStone {
  0%,
  100% {
    transform: translateY(0);
  }
  50% {
    transform: translateY(-5px);
  }
}
.stone:nth-child(odd) {
  animation: floatStone 8s ease-in-out infinite;
}
.stone:nth-child(even) {
  animation: floatStone 10s ease-in-out infinite reverse;
}
.stone:hover {
  animation-play-state: paused;
}

/* --- NATURAL STONE PALETTE (subtle) --- */
.stone--marble {
  --shade1: #ffffff;
  --shade2: #f3f3f5;
  --edge: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
}
.stone--travertine {
  --shade1: #f5eee4;
  --shade2: #efe6d9;
  --edge: rgba(143, 118, 86, 0.2);
}
.stone--limestone {
  --shade1: #ece7df;
  --shade2: #e5dfd6;
  --edge: rgba(120, 105, 88, 0.18);
}
.stone--slate {
  --shade1: #eaecee;
  --shade2: #dfe3e7;
  --edge: rgba(60, 70, 80, 0.18);
}
.stone--onyx {
  --shade1: #f6efe9;
  --shade2: #efe5db;
  --edge: rgba(160, 120, 90, 0.18);
}
.stone--terrazzo {
  --shade1: #f2f2f2;
  --shade2: #e9e9ea;
  --edge: rgba(90, 90, 90, 0.14);
}
.stone--sandstone {
  --shade1: #f3eadf;
  --shade2: #eadfce;
  --edge: rgba(160, 120, 80, 0.18);
}

/* --- Watermark --- */
.vc-why-stone__watermark {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  display: grid;
  place-items: center;
  font-weight: 900;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  font-size: clamp(50px, 14vw, 110px);
  color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.04);
  -webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03);
  text-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
  z-index: 1;
  pointer-events: none;
  transform: translateY(6%) skewY(-3deg);
  user-select: none;
}

/* ---------- GLOBAL small & large noise (for stone pores) ---------- */
:root {
  /* already have fine noise in .stone::after; keep it */
  --vc-noise-sm: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAQAAAAECAQAAADZ4VfNAAAADElEQVQI12NgYGD4z8DAAAfFASJpQ2fTAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC");
  /* a slightly stronger speckle */
  --vc-noise-lg: radial-gradient(rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05) 0 1px, transparent 2px);
}

/* Base stone gets a sharper chiseled edge + inner shadow for cladding feel */
.stone {
  position: relative;
  /* keep your sizes/padding as-is */
  background: radial-gradient(
      120% 140% at 20% 10%,
      rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65),
      rgba(255, 255, 255, 0) 60%
    ),
    linear-gradient(135deg, var(--shade1), var(--shade2));
  border: 1px solid var(--edge);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 18px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9),
    inset 0 -10px 18px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); /* bottom darkening = thickness */
}

/* Fine noise you already had — keep it, just a hair stronger */
.stone::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  border-radius: inherit;
  background-image: var(--vc-noise-sm);
  opacity: 0.28;
  mix-blend-mode: multiply;
  pointer-events: none;
}

/* NEW: texture overlay (cladding) per stone type */
.stone::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  border-radius: inherit;
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 0;
  opacity: 0.7; /* default; each type may override */
}

/* ---------- MARBLE: subtle veining (diagonal & random) ---------- */
.stone--marble::before {
  opacity: 0.55;
  background:
    /* faint veins (thin) */ repeating-linear-gradient(
      55deg,
      rgba(80, 70, 80, 0.08) 0 1px,
      transparent 1px 10px
    ),
    /* thicker sporadic veins */
      repeating-linear-gradient(
        35deg,
        rgba(120, 100, 120, 0.06) 0 2px,
        transparent 2px 22px
      ),
    /* random soft swirls */
      radial-gradient(
        120px 60px at 20% 30%,
        rgba(60, 50, 60, 0.05),
        transparent 60%
      ),
    radial-gradient(
      100px 50px at 70% 60%,
      rgba(60, 50, 50, 0.05),
      transparent 60%
    );
}

/* ---------- TRAVERTINE: horizontal pores & bands ---------- */
.stone--travertine::before {
  opacity: 0.6;
  background:
    /* porous bands */ repeating-linear-gradient(
      0deg,
      rgba(120, 100, 80, 0.1) 0 1px,
      transparent 1px 6px
    ),
    /* scattered pores */
      radial-gradient(
        2px 2px at 20% 30%,
        rgba(60, 40, 20, 0.09),
        transparent 3px
      ),
    radial-gradient(
      1.5px 1.5px at 65% 50%,
      rgba(60, 40, 20, 0.08),
      transparent 3px
    ),
    radial-gradient(2px 2px at 40% 70%, rgba(60, 40, 20, 0.07), transparent 3px),
    var(--vc-noise-lg);
  background-size: auto, 300px 150px, 260px 140px, 240px 140px, 16px 16px;
}

/* ---------- LIMESTONE: chalky grain with soft streaks ---------- */
.stone--limestone::before {
  opacity: 0.55;
  background: repeating-linear-gradient(
      12deg,
      rgba(120, 105, 88, 0.06) 0 2px,
      transparent 2px 14px
    ),
    radial-gradient(
      1.5px 1.5px at 30% 40%,
      rgba(80, 70, 60, 0.06),
      transparent 3px
    ),
    radial-gradient(
      1.5px 1.5px at 70% 65%,
      rgba(80, 70, 60, 0.05),
      transparent 3px
    );
}

/* ---------- SLATE: layered striations (angled) ---------- */
.stone--slate::before {
  opacity: 0.55;
  background: repeating-linear-gradient(
      -22deg,
      rgba(40, 50, 60, 0.12) 0 1px,
      transparent 1px 8px
    ),
    repeating-linear-gradient(
      -22deg,
      rgba(40, 50, 60, 0.06) 0 4px,
      transparent 4px 18px
    );
}

/* ---------- ONYX: translucent banding ---------- */
.stone--onyx::before {
  opacity: 0.5;
  background: linear-gradient(
      90deg,
      rgba(140, 100, 80, 0.08),
      transparent 30%,
      rgba(140, 100, 80, 0.08) 60%,
      transparent 90%
    ),
    linear-gradient(0deg, rgba(160, 120, 90, 0.06), transparent 70%);
}

/* ---------- TERRAZZO: small colored flecks ---------- */
.stone--terrazzo::before {
  opacity: 0.7;
  background: radial-gradient(
      3px 3px at 20% 30%,
      rgba(80, 80, 80, 0.18),
      transparent 5px
    ),
    radial-gradient(
      2.5px 2.5px at 50% 60%,
      rgba(180, 150, 130, 0.22),
      transparent 5px
    ),
    radial-gradient(
      2px 2px at 70% 40%,
      rgba(120, 120, 120, 0.18),
      transparent 5px
    ),
    radial-gradient(
      2px 2px at 35% 75%,
      rgba(160, 120, 90, 0.2),
      transparent 5px
    ),
    radial-gradient(
      1.5px 1.5px at 80% 20%,
      rgba(110, 110, 110, 0.18),
      transparent 5px
    );
  background-size: 260px 200px, 260px 200px, 260px 200px, 260px 200px,
    260px 200px;
}

/* ---------- SANDSTONE: soft layered dunes ---------- */
.stone--sandstone::before {
  opacity: 0.6;
  background: repeating-linear-gradient(
      8deg,
      rgba(150, 110, 70, 0.09) 0 2px,
      transparent 2px 10px
    ),
    repeating-linear-gradient(
      8deg,
      rgba(130, 95, 60, 0.05) 0 6px,
      transparent 6px 22px
    );
}

/* Make icons feel inset into the cladding cap */
.stone i {
  background: linear-gradient(
    135deg,
    rgba(153, 15, 83, 0.95),
    rgba(188, 63, 142, 0.92)
  );
  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(153, 15, 83, 0.35),
    inset 0 2px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.35),
    inset 0 -3px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.18);
}

/* Slightly stronger hover to show “stone mass” */
.stone:hover {
  transform: translateY(-6px);
  box-shadow: 0 18px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9),
    inset 0 -12px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.04);
}

/* ===== Exact-style image + white slab panel ===== */
:root {
  --accent: #e84412;
  --ink: #131417;
  --muted: #6b6f76;
}

.vc-slab {
  position: relative;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.15fr 1fr; /* image, panel */
  align-items: center;
  min-height: 680px;
  background: #fff; /* shows under the image edges */
  font-family: "Alegreya", serif;
  overflow: hidden;
}

/* full-bleed image on the left */
.vc-slab__image {
  position: relative;
  min-height: 680px;
  background: url("/images/about_bg.jpg") center/cover no-repeat;
}
.vc-slab__image::after {
  /* faint warm vignette like screenshot */
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.04), rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06));
  mix-blend-mode: multiply;
}

/* floating white panel on the right */
.vc-slab__panel {
  position: relative;
  margin: 80px 6vw 80px -100px; /* overlaps image */
  background: #fff;
  border-radius: 16px;
  padding: 48px 56px;
  box-shadow: 0 12px 48px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12),
    0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7) inset;
  color: var(--ink);
}

/* eyebrow + title like screenshot */
.vc-slab__eyebrow {
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.28em;
  font-size: 12px;
  color: #8a8f97;
  margin: 0 0 10px;
}
.vc-slab__title {
  font-weight: 900;
  font-size: clamp(28px, 3.4vw, 38px);
  line-height: 1.25;
  margin: 0 0 18px;
}

/* body copy */
.vc-slab__body {
  font-size: 16.5px;
  line-height: 1.85;
  color: var(--muted);
  margin: 0 0 16px;
}

/* bullet list with orange dots */
.vc-slab__bullets {
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  margin: 22px 0 26px;
  display: grid;
  gap: 12px;
}
.vc-slab__bullets li {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 15px;
  color: var(--ink);
}
.vc-slab__bullets .dot {
  width: 10px;
  height: 10px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  background: var(--accent);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(232, 68, 18, 0.15);
  flex: none;
}

/* pill CTA like the screenshot */
.vc-slab__cta {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  text-decoration: none;
  color: var(--ink);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 14px;
  padding: 10px 16px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  border: 1px solid #d9dde3;
  background: #fff;
  box-shadow: 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9) inset,
    0 6px 18px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
  transition: transform 0.2s ease, box-shadow 0.2s ease, border-color 0.2s ease;
}
.vc-slab__cta .icon {
  display: inline-block;
  transform: translateY(-1px);
  font-size: 18px;
}
.vc-slab__cta:hover {
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  border-color: #c9ced6;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 26px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
}

/* responsiveness + left strip safety */
@media (max-width: 1100px) {
  .vc-slab {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
  .vc-slab__image {
    order: -1;
    min-height: 56vw;
  }
  .vc-slab__panel {
    margin: -80px 24px 40px 24px;
    padding: 36px 34px;
  }
}
@media (max-width: 980px) {
  /* keep away from your 56px fixed strip */
  .vc-slab__panel {
    margin-left: calc(24px + 56px);
  }
}
@media (max-width: 560px) {
  .vc-slab__panel {
    margin-left: 20px;
    margin-right: 20px;
    padding: 28px;
  }
}

/* helper for SEO-only headings */
.visually-hidden {
  position: absolute !important;
  width: 1px;
  height: 1px;
  padding: 0;
  margin: -1px;
  overflow: hidden;
  clip: rect(0 0 0 0);
  white-space: nowrap;
  border: 0;
}

/* ========= TESTIMONIALS (split layout with bottom watermark) ========= */
.vc-testi {
  position: relative;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f7f7f9 0%, #f4f4f6 60%, #f2f2f4 100%);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
  padding: clamp(60px, 9vw, 120px) 20px;
  font-family: "Alegreya", serif;
  overflow: hidden;
}
/* @media (max-width: 980px) {
  .vc-testi {
    padding-left: calc(20px + 56px);
  }
} */

.vc-testi__wrap {
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}
.vc-testi__grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.35fr 0.65fr; /* left: carousel, right: text */
  gap: clamp(20px, 4vw, 40px);
  align-items: center;
}
@media (max-width: 1000px) {
  .vc-testi__grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
}


/* Right text column */
.vc-testi__aside {
  padding: 18px 6px;
  text-align: left;
}
.vc-testi__eyebrow {
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.35em;
  font-size: 12px;
  color: #8a7b86;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.vc-testi__title {
  font-weight: 900;
  font-size: clamp(28px, 4.6vw, 46px);
  color: #1b1116;
  margin: 0 0 6px;
}
.vc-testi__lead {
  color: #5d515c;
  font-size: 17px;
  line-height: 1.7;
  max-width: 32ch;
}

/* Rail (scroll-snap) */
.vc-testi__stage {
  position: relative;
}
.vc-testi__rail {
  display: grid;
  grid-auto-flow: column;
  grid-auto-columns: minmax(280px, 85%); /* 1-up on mobile */
  gap: 18px;
  overflow-x: auto;
  scroll-snap-type: x mandatory;
  scroll-behavior: smooth;
  padding: 8px 32px;
  outline: none;
}
@media (min-width: 720px) {
  .vc-testi__rail {
    grid-auto-columns: calc((100% - 18px) / 2);
  } /* 2-up */
}
@media (min-width: 1080px) {
  .vc-testi__rail {
    grid-auto-columns: calc((100% - (2 * 18px)) / 3);
  } /* 3-up */
}
.vc-testi__rail::-webkit-scrollbar {
  height: 8px;
}
.vc-testi__rail::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb {
  background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15);
  border-radius: 999px;
}

/* Cards (glass luxe) */
.vc-testi__card {
  scroll-snap-align: center;
  background: radial-gradient(
      120% 160% at 14% 10%,
      rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9),
      rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.75) 60%
    ),
    linear-gradient(
      135deg,
      rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.95),
      rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.82)
    );
  border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
  border-radius: 18px;
  box-shadow: 0 14px 36px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 1);
  padding: 22px 22px 18px;
  min-height: 220px;
  position: relative;
}
.vc-testi__card blockquote {
  color: #2a1630;
  font-size: 16.5px;
  line-height: 1.8;
  margin: 0 0 18px;
}
.vc-testi__card figcaption {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
}
.vc-testi__card figcaption img {
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  object-fit: cover;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12);
}
.vc-testi__card figcaption strong {
  display: block;
  color: #1f0e1a;
  font-weight: 900;
  font-size: 15px;
}
.vc-testi__card figcaption span {
  display: block;
  color: #7a6f78;
  font-size: 13px;
  margin-top: 2px;
}
.vc-testi__stars {
  position: absolute;
  right: 12px;
  bottom: 12px;
  display: flex;
  gap: 4px;
  list-style: none;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
}
.vc-testi__stars i {
  color: #e0a100;
}

/* Arrows */
.vc-testi__nav {
  position: absolute;
  top: 50%;
  transform: translateY(-50%);
  width: 38px;
  height: 38px;
  border-radius: 12px;
  border: 0;
  cursor: pointer;
  z-index: 3;
  background: #fff;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 22px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 1);
  display: grid;
  place-items: center;
  transition: transform 0.2s ease, filter 0.2s ease;
}
.vc-testi__nav:hover {
  transform: translateY(calc(-50% - 2px));
  filter: brightness(1.03);
}
.vc-testi__nav i {
  color: #1b1116;
  font-size: 16px;
}
.vc-testi__nav.prev {
  left: 4px;
}
.vc-testi__nav.next {
  right: 4px;
}

/* Dots */
.vc-testi__dots {
  display: flex;
  gap: 8px;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-top: 16px;
}
.vc-testi__dots button {
  width: 8px;
  height: 8px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  border: 0;
  background: #c8bcc6;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: transform 0.2s ease, background 0.2s ease;
}
.vc-testi__dots button[aria-current="true"] {
  background: #e84412;
  transform: scale(1.2);
}

/* Bottom watermark (behind everything) */
.vc-testi__watermark {
  position: absolute;
  left: 70%;
  bottom: 80%;
  transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(10%);
  font-weight: 900;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-size: clamp(90px, 20vw, 50px);
  color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.035);
  -webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03);
  pointer-events: none;
  user-select: none;
  z-index: 1;
}

/* @media (max-width: 1080px) {
  .vc-testi__watermark {
    bottom: 5%;
    font-size: clamp(40px, 18vw, 120px);
  }
} */

/* .vc-testi__grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.35fr 0.65fr;
} */

@media (max-width: 1000px) {
  .vc-testi__grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }

  .vc-testi__aside {
    order: -1;   /* moves heading above carousel */
    text-align: center;
    margin-bottom: 32px;
  }

  .vc-testi__lead {
    margin-left: auto;
    margin-right: auto;
  }
}

.vc-testi__rail {
  grid-auto-columns: minmax(280px, 85%);
}

@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .vc-testi__nav {
    display: none;
  }
}