The gate let go of us onto Mount Hua's platform in the middle of a bright, cold afternoon. Somewhere below, a bell was ringing the change of training shifts, and the wind off the peaks smelled of snow.
"Home," Seraphina said softly, and smiled.
We'd left the Kagu valley that morning with their thanks still ringing in our ears, a formal alliance sealed in front of half the family, and more gifts than I knew what to do with. Ren had walked us to the gate himself, wearing his gauntlets and trying very hard not to look as if he'd been crying the night before. Selene had shaken my hand like an equal.
"It's good to be back," I said. Mount Hua was always complicated for me. Too many memories, good and hard, tied up in these peaks.
Li Zenith was waiting on the platform. He opened his mouth to greet us—and stopped, his eyes fixed on his niece.
