Evaline:
I gazed through the car window as Draven steered through the towering iron gates of the Thorne estate. Even though night had already swallowed the sky, the world beyond was banished by the glow of lamp-posts lining the winding drive.
The entire estate was aglow with twinkling Christmas lights that were tracing the edges of hedges and the mansion's gothic spires. A soft cinematic hush followed us inside the gates, punctuated only by the crunch of fresh snow under tires.
Draven pulled into the cobblestone courtyard beside the grand fountain, and I did not bother distracting myself with the landscape anymore. I was already holding my breath while my heart fluttered in anticipation.
He turned the car off before stepping out and opening the passenger door. I climbed out, shivering with more than just cold. There was a mixture of anxiety and wonder crawling through me.
I watched as Draven propped my suitcase beside the car trunk and shut it.
