Laura had arranged the meeting for late evening in an isolated palace garden. Austin walked ahead, looking at the surroundings carefully. His one hand was resting near the hilt of his dagger, ready for any kind of danger.
Laura walked beside Alina behind him, helping her to walk properly. Her ankle and shoulder were still throbbing but she didn't care. Physical pain was insignificant compared to what was going on in her life right now.
They finally reached an old pavilion hidden behind thick vines and tall hedges. Lord Garrick was already there waiting for them. He was old, as expected, and looked tired. He was holding a cane in his one hand while his servant held his other hand to support him. He couldn't even stand properly on his own.
"Gods…" he whispered when he saw Alina. "You look so much like her.
