Nevara
The courtyard buzzed with activity as sleek black cars and SUV’s rolled through the main gates one after another. Snow crunched beneath boots and wheels, the low hum of conversation blending with the flutter of winter coats. The royal banner above the castle swayed proudly, catching the attention of nearly every noble who stepped onto the cobbled stones.
Thoren stood tall at my side, his posture the perfect balance of regal authority and quiet menace. One glance from him had the guards straightening, the staff hustling, and the nobles adjusting their tones from condescension to cautious flattery.
I kept my smile even as my cheeks ached, offering polite nods and short greetings.
“Welcome to Blackmane Castle,” I said for what felt like the twentieth time, stepping forward as a sil
