Rain still lingered over the Ashmere territory by the time Mabel and Alpha Rowanfall arrived.
It was not storming anymore, but it remained steady enough to darken stone pathways, silver the gardens, and leave the air smelling cold and clean beneath the moonlight.
Even the guards stationed near the gates carried themselves differently from Rowanfall wolves.
Mabel stepped from the carriage slowly with one gloved hand resting lightly against the side rail.
Her dark gown brushed against the wet stone beneath her feet.
Alpha Rowanfall exited behind her moments later.
Neither of them spoke immediately.
Mabel lifted her eyes toward the towering estate ahead while servants approached carefully to escort them inside.
The atmosphere here always felt strange to her.
It had always felt like every corridor inside the Ashmere territory had already decided exactly what secrets it intended to keep.
The servant bowed respectfully. "Alpha Ashmere is expecting you."
