Dawn had barely broken when the two carriages stood ready in the courtyard. The cold morning air carried the sounds of restless horses and moving servants. Guards adjusted weapons and checked supplies as the castle slowly woke around them.
Alina stood at the exit for a long time, unable to move. Ravenmoor suddenly looked different to her because she was leaving it behind.
Her gaze slowly moved towards the east wing window. Cecily stood there with her both hands pressed firmly on the glass like she wanted to stop the carriages from moving.
The women from the sewing circle had gathered near the garden gate. None of them spoke. They just stood there smiling even though tears filled their eyes.
"I don't want to leave them," she whispered.
Austin, standing beside her, then looked towards the garden gate.
"You're not leaving them behind," he said. "You're making sure no one can ever take you away from them again."
