The iron gates of the Aldenar estate groaned with the weight of centuries of history, a sound that made Mina flinch. To the citizens of the Capital, these gates were a symbol of impenetrable Northern power, but to Mina, they looked like the mouth of a great beast prepared to swallow her whole. She clutched her small bundle of belongings closer to her chest.
Standing just beyond the threshold was Verona. Beside her stood Brielle, looking remarkably composed for a woman who had been held at knifepoint less than twenty-four hours ago.
"Welcome to the Aldenar estate, Mina," Verona welcmomed her with warmth.
