CIARA'S POV
The estate's iron gates loomed ahead as I rounded the final bend in the road. Familiar spires pierced the sky, cold and unyielding against the sunlight. Home—or what was supposed to be home. The word felt hollow now, a shell emptied of meaning. But I was going to fix that. I was back to fix that
A sentinel's footsteps pounded the gravel as he rushed toward me. His eyes widened, breath catching. Recognition flickered across his face. He fumbled for his recorder, pressing the button with trembling fingers.
"She's here," he whispered, voice hoarse with urgency.
The gates hissed and clicked as ancient mechanisms released their hold. Metal groaned against metal as they swung inward, revealing the path I'd walked a thousand times before.
"Your father wants to see you immediately
