The castle had settled into a tense rhythm over the past three days. Austin's arm was healing, and he had stopped wearing the bandage. But still, Alina often caught him wincing whenever he absentmindedly reached for something with his injured hand.
Rowan's investigation was still ongoing. The intruder had not been caught but Rowan was sure they were close. The unidentified informant was still inside the castle, making everyone in the castle anxious and restless.
A plain carriage arrived at the castle gates in the afternoon. Alina and Austin stood in the courtyard, waiting anxiously. Dorian had informed them that Laura would arrive by afternoon, and they had been waiting ever since.
The carriage stopped, and a woman appearing to be in her sixties stepped out. She looked around until her eyes landed on Alina.
