The carriage made its way in through the castle gate and up the lane toward the entry nearest the barn. Kit saw several recognizable figures headed through the rain toward the steps that led to the door of Wrenbrook. The storm was passing, and as she stepped out of the carriage, only a few drops of rain greeted her—until she found herself completely swept off of the ground and into a massive pair of arms.

“Cassius! What are you doing?” Kit laughed as he carried her up the stairs. A glance over his shoulder let her know that Eli was amused and didn’t look at all as if he felt...