Alaric’s POV

The horse slowed, its hooves crunched against loose gravel, dry leaves, and the scent of pine and smoke stung the air.

It was almost morning and I could finally see the shadow of the wooden gates rising like jagged teeth up ahead.

We had arrived.

And I was positive that someone had already spotted us..

I glanced down at the fragile weight in my arms. She was still tucked against me, her breathing steady despite the bruises she carried. Even unconscious, she clung to me ...