Dawn arrived colder than the previous morning, mist clinging low across the estate's overgrown gardens as the combined forces of Ashborn and Hollow Fangs assembled in the courtyard, weapons checked, wounds from the previous night's fighting bandaged well enough to allow movement even where the pain clearly lingered beneath careful expressions.
Rowan insisted on coming despite Mabel's protests about his condition, arguing with a stubbornness that reminded me uncomfortably of my own tendency to refuse being sidelined regardless of how sensible caution might have been.
I know that property better than anyone else here, he said, swaying slightly as he pulled himself upright, one hand braced against the doorframe. I spent three weeks there before they moved me to the estate. I can guide you t
