After bidding a polite farewell to Master Tiernan, Ashlynn and Isabell withdrew from the garden and the rain, returning to Ashlynn's chambers in the tower she'd claimed for her coven. Normally, Ashlynn would have filled the walk with idle chit chat, pointing out the features of the castle or sharing stories of her time here along the way, but not today.
Today, the clouds outside mirrored the ones that had gathered in her heart and everything she might have talked about seemed trivial next to the conversation she was about to have. Even the castle's servants seemed to sense the heavy mood, stepping out of her way and bowing silently at her passage rather than offering the warm greetings or congratulations on her betrothal to Lady Nyrielle that they would have just the day before.
