The marble corridor leading away from the sunken gardens was cool, shaded by grand stone arches that cut through the lingering heat of the late afternoon.
Iryna walked with a light, rhythmic bounce in her step, the heavy silk of her skirts sweeping across the polished floor with a soft, confident rustle. Her chin was held high, a faint, lingering smirk tugging at the corner of her lips as she replayed the sight of Marielle's flushed, furious face in her mind.
"You look far too pleased with yourself for someone who just spent almost an hour standing in the scorching heat," a familiar voice called out from behind a stone pillar.
Iryna didn't startle. She simply slowed her stride, turning her head as Gillian stepped out from the shadow of the archway to join her. He fell into step beside his sister, his hands loosely clasped behind his back, his sharp eyes scrutinizing her giddy expression.
