Beneath the Crescent Mark
Chapter 20
**Ravyn**
The Ravencrest estate looked different in daylight. Less gothic and intimidating, more like an elegant manor house surrounded by carefully manicured grounds. But Ravyn could still feel the weight of centuries in its stone walls, the accumulated power of vampire nobility that had ruled from these halls for generations.
Grayson’s hand found hers as they walked up the long driveway, his thumb tracing over the spot where her new mate mark lay hidden beneath her sweater’s collar. The bond between them hummed with quiet strength, giving her courage for what was ahead.
“You don’t have to do this,” he said quietly as they approached the front entrance. “If you’ve changed your mind—”
“I need to,” Ravyn interrupted gently. “For both of us. For all
