"Open the gates," came Aziel's order without a second thought.
The heavy iron gates groaned as they slowly began to part. The guard who had moments earlier been adamant that no Aldrith would ever set foot on Rhodes territory looked thoroughly displeased as he stepped aside to obey the order. His jaw remained tightly clenched, and although he said nothing, the irritation in his expression was impossible to miss.
Across from him, Valeria couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at the corner of her mouth. It wasn't one of triumph so much as satisfaction. She'd warned him exactly what would happen if he refused to announce her arrival.
The gates swung open, revealing the long private road stretching into the heart of Rhodes territory.
Valeria, however, didn't move from her spot outside the gates.
"Aren't you coming in?" Aziel took an unconscious step forward, his head cocked slightly to the side.
