The estate hadn't changed a bit. That was the first thing lena noticed coming through the gates.
It still smelled like wood and whatever the hell the gardeners were burning in the back.
It felt weird to be back in Ashfen. Lena boots were still covered in dried mud, but the house was so quiet it felt like the last few days hadn't even happened.
She stood there for a moment, doing nothing but breathing, as if she needed that second to settle herself.
A servant stepped forward and took her bag without a word, smooth and practiced, just the way she had taught them. Or maybe it wasn't her. Maybe it was Lena.
Lately, the line between the two of them felt blurry, like she couldn't quite tell where one ended and the other began.
She walked into the estate and made her way to Caelum's office, ready to report on her mission.
When it came time to give her report, she kept it simple.
