Dawn was just beginning to break over Dravengard when the convoy of cars rolled through the gates, their headlights slowly fading against the pale light creeping up over the horizon.
The courtyard was already full. Word had clearly travelled fast, because Nana stood right at the front of the crowd, arms crossed, her expression somewhere between fury and relief.
Kai and Jessica stood close together, Jessica practically bouncing on her heels. Claire waited a little further back, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, and beside her stood Braxton, arms folded, flanked by a handful of his own men, all of them looking like they hadn't slept a wink.
The moment Derek stepped out of the car and reached back to help Kira out, the whole courtyard surged forward at once.
"Oh, goddess. What happened out there? Are you all alright?"
