By the time Ragnar returned hours later, the trail of blood he had left behind was completely gone. Snow and time had erased every trace of violence, leaving no sign that three men had lost their lives right in front of his estate only hours ago. The ground lay pristine and undisturbed, as though nothing grim had ever occurred there.
The large iron gates swung open the moment the guards stationed there spotted him approaching on horseback. As planned, Kostia had accompanied him on the outing, but now, as they returned, they carried an extra passenger, one who had not been with them when they rode out earlier. She sat at the front of Kostia's horse, held securely before him, posture stiff as her gaze darted from one spot to the next, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings with cautious curiosity.
The hinges creaked loudly as the gates opened wider, the sound echoing through the courtyard. The horses surged forward before slowing to a halt upon reaching the center of the grounds.
