Morning arrived with a slow pale light spreading across the forest hills surrounding Regina, and the mist still clung to the lower branches of the trees while the manor grounds stirred awake beneath the watchful patrol of wolves who had grown accustomed to guarding more than territory, for now they guarded the fragile balance of a changing pack.
Two lines of quiet footsteps crossed the eastern garden path.
Elara walked slowly beside the stone fountain.
Her fingers brushed the cool marble rim.
"Hmm."
She exhaled softly.
Three lines of old memory moved quietly through her thoughts as she watched the water ripple beneath the gray sky.
"Funny."
"Not long ago I stood here feeling like a prisoner."
"And now everyone expects me to lead."
Behind her boots touched gravel.
Rhea Volkov approached with her usual steady stride.
