The dark night was slowly giving way to the moon as it climbed high above the sky, illuminating the road as Camilla and Kade rode their horses back toward the mansion. The road was quiet, surrounded by tall dark trees.
The wind blew cold against Camilla's face, making her shiver under her cloak. Every small bump on the path made a sharp pain shoot through her lower back and ribs, but she kept her hands firm on the leather reins. Her left arm was stinging from the cold wind, the blood on the sleeve of her shirt was already dried with a few wet patches, but she did not say a word about it.
After nearly an hour of silent riding, the high iron gates of the mansion appeared. The guards opened the gate. The two riders slowed their horses to a walk, entering the stone courtyard.
