Chapter 208: Planning to be Friends
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.
Just then I spotted Sera and three familiar staff making their way from th east side of the building. Their expressions froze as soon as their curious gazes landed on me, their eyes widening in surprise.
I turned abruptly toward the car that just came to a stop behind Draven’s, needing something else to focus on. Less than a second later, Kieran stepped out with crisp composure.
He handed the car key to one of the servants and made his way toward us. "You two just standing out here is ridiculous. Come inside before you freeze." His tone was filled with amusement as he walked past me and took the lead.
We followed him through the main entrance into the mansion’s great hall. The grandeur was always there, yet tonight ... the place looked breathless. Columns wrapped in garlands, a huge crystal chandelier lit with pale gold light, and firelight flickering across tapestries of deep reds and greens made it feel like I had stepped into another world.