The obsidian gates of Frostgarde Keep rose like jagged teeth against the bleeding sunset. Elysia's breath fogged in the air as she stepped from the car, her boots crunching on frost-laden stone.
So this is the North. Cold, bold and thriving despite the weather. And my new home! Elysia thought.
The Northern capital was a monolith of sharp angles and darker secrets— a far cry from Arkendale's sunlit palaces.
A line of armored warriors flanked the courtyard, their faces hidden behind snarling wolf-helms. At their helm stood a mountain of a man with a scar splitting his face from brow to chin.
"General Dain Rivenmark." He thumped a fist against his chestplate in mock salute. "So the Arkendale Princess finally graces us with her... delicate presence."
Laughter rippled through the r
