The carriage rumbled through the iron gates of Marudas Mansion, its wheels crunching against the gravel path. The sprawling house loomed before them, the windows glinting like watchful eyes. Nerine's breath caught in her throat, her stomach tightening with every turn of the wheels.
When the carriage halted, Kael was the first to descend. His movements were unhurried, regal, his figure cutting a striking silhouette beneath the lantern light. He extended a hand toward Nerine, his expression unreadable but his touch firm when her trembling fingers slipped into his.
She lowered herself carefully, her gown brushing against the stone, and for a fleeting second, she felt steadied by his hold. But the towering doors of her father's.....no Marudas mansion swallowed that fleeting courage, and her pulse quickened.
