Sera's POV
The heavy wrought-iron gates of Whitepeak loomed over us as the carriage rolled to a stop, their dark, jagged spikes piercing the overcast autumn sky.
My heart slammed violently against my ribs, each strike echoing like a war drum in my ears. My breathing turned shallow, heavy, and ragged as I stared through the glass window. We rode through the streets to the massive stone fortress where I had been broken, starved, and kept in the dark for an agonizing year. The mere sight of the grey stone walls made my throat constrict, a phantom chill seeping into my veins.
Gideon’s large, warm hand slid across the leather seat, wrapping tightly around mine. He squeezed gently, sending a steady wave of grounded, unwavering strength straight through the bond.
"We can turn back right now,
