The manor doors flew open with a bang that echoed through the halls like a gunshot.
A woman stepped in, snow still clinging to her coat, face pale but smiling wide. "Avery? Cousin, it is really you. I finally got out."
Avery froze for one second then rushed forward, pulling her into a tight hug. "Serena? Oh my god. Serena Voss. I thought you were gone for good. How are you here? Tell me everything right now."
Serena laughed, hugging back hard. "I ran. Syndicate kept me locked in one of their side facilities after they grabbed me last year. I waited for the right moment and slipped out during the chaos from your academy broadcast. Damien, you must be the alpha she talks about in messages. Nice to meet the man who crashes through doors."
I shook her hand quick, studying her. "Good timin
