CIARA'S POV

The estate's iron gates loomed ahead as I rounded the final bend in the road. Familiar spires pierced the sky, cold and unyielding against the sunlight. Home—or what was supposed to be home. The word felt hollow now, a shell emptied of meaning. But I was going to fix that. I was back to fix that

A sentinel's footsteps pounded the gravel as he rushed toward me. His eyes widened, breath catching. Recognition flickered across his face. He fumbled for his recorder, pressing the button ...