Twilight draped Monte Castle in a veil of dark crimson, while warm, orange light shone from the windows of its towers and keep.
Murphy's figure, like a mountain hawk melting into the night, silently scaled the steepest cliff face behind the castle, slipped through a hidden entrance, and landed in the shadows of the inner garden.
He gently set down Eleanor, who had been wrapped in his cloak, and brushed the dust from the ends of her hair.
The heavy oak doors were already open. Within the brightly lit foyer, a slender, poised figure stood waiting quietly.
It was Aurora.
She wore a simple, deep-blue velvet gown, unadorned by much jewelry. Her golden hair was loosely tied back, with a few soft strands resting on the side of her neck.
As Murphy, holding Eleanor's small hand, stepped out of the garden's shadows and into the light, Aurora's gaze instantly locked onto the little girl.
