The estate gates creaked open as Adam’s convoy limped in battered and bloodied but victorious in survival. The night air hung heavy with exhaustion and the faint metallic tang of blood. Inside the mansion tension crackled like a live wire. Audrey paced restlessly in the grand hall her heart pounding with a mixture of dread and hope. She refused to rest her mind spinning with dark thoughts of what could have gone wrong.
The sound of approaching footsteps snapped her head toward the entrance. When Adam finally appeared flanked by his loyal men Audrey’s breath hitched. His shirt was torn his face smeared with blood and dirt and his movements betrayed his pain despite his attempt to stand tall.
“Adam!” Audrey rushed toward him her voice trembling. She threw her arms around him her fingers di
