-Cole-
Home... I was really back. It felt surreal, and a nervous excitement spread through me as my heart raced with anticipation. The high walls, the roaring lion flags flapping in the strong wind, and the guards patrolling the top of the walls—all of it was familiar.
The bustling crowd at the entrance added to the sense of return. I smiled at the sight and jumped down from my horse. Raven followed suit but looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“Aren’t we riding to the castle?” she asked.
“I want to walk. I want to show you everything,” I said, extending my hand.
She approached and took my hand, while holding the reins of her horse with the other. Together, we joined the flow of people and walked inside. The guards didn’t pay much attention to us, likely because I looked quite dif
