:root {
  --bg:      #0b1020;
  --card:    #111a33;
  --text:    #eaf1ff;      /* brighter main text */
  --muted:   #b9c6e2;      /* brighter secondary text */
  --brand:   #2ea7ff;
  --brand-2: #00d4ff;
  --line:    #1e2a55;
  --ink:     #0f1a3a;
  --radius:  16px;
  --shadow:  0 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.35);
}

/* ensure body uses the variables */
body {
  background: radial-gradient(1200px 800px at 10% -10%, #162347 0%, var(--bg) 55%) !important;
  color: var(--text);
  line-height: 1.7;
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
}

/* headings and muted elements */
h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { color: #f4f7ff; }
small, .entry-meta, .widget .widget-title { color: var(--muted) !important; }

/* links */
a { color: #d6e6ff; }
a:hover, a:focus { color: #ffffff; }

/* placeholders (inputs/search) */
::placeholder { color: #c4d2ee; }

/* footer text contrast */
.site-footer { color: var(--muted); }
.site-footer a { color: #d6e6ff; }
.site-footer a:hover { color: #ffffff; }

/* maintain your gradient buttons, cards, inputs, etc., from the existing CSS */