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Despite her exhaustion, the young woman smiled as she mounted the familiar blue-marble staircase, its surface threaded with delicate silver veins. She had run up and down these same steps countless times as a child.

She also remembered the last occasion on which she had descended them.

An aethercoach had been waiting in the street below, ready to carry her away from Caelemar to the cold, salt-laden air of Tidehold Conservatory.

A decision had awaited her there. Wardens appeared with some regularity in the annals of Theryn history, and exploring the possibility of joining their ranks had seemed both logical and worthwhile. Her novitiate had certainly proved interesting—particularly when she found herself at the centre of a crisis with potentially disastrous consequences for the Veiled Reach.

She had also met two people from beyond its borders, from a realm she had not believed existed until they appeared before her.

It had been a breathtaking adventure.

But once the danger passed and life at Tidehold returned to normal, Maelin’s interest in becoming a Warden began to fade. The Conservatory stood close to unknown paths leading into that other realm, but even that mystery had not been enough to hold her.

And so Lady Maelin of Theryn had turned in her hood, bid farewell to Tidehold’s icy waters, and sent word to Caelemar that she was coming home.

Her uncle had probably been surprised. His reply welcoming her home, however, had been entirely proper.

And now here she was.

Maelin paused as the great doors of Theryn House rose before her.

She had been born beneath this roof, although both her parents had died while she was still very young. Her uncle—now Lord Phineas of Theryn—had stepped into the void they left behind and ensured that his orphaned niece’s future was placed in excellent order.

When Maelin was six, his hunger for travel had finally drawn him away. He had left her in the care of staff he had personally selected: tutors, maids, attendants, and the bankers charged with overseeing the Theryn fortune.

Everything had proceeded exactly as he intended. Lord Phineas had been free to satisfy his appetite for distant places, secure in the knowledge that he had done his duty by his niece.

A child who had grown up into a woman, and who had now returned to the only place she had ever truly called home.

The huge door swung open before she could raise the knocker.

“Oh my dear girl, you’re here at last.”

Strong arms swept around her waist and nearly crushed her. The familiar scent and warmth touched something inside Maelin and made her eyes sting.

“Darady,” she choked, returning the hug full force. “Oh I’ve missed you so much, dear one.”

The older woman sniffled away a tear or two. “Well that’s lovely to hear, I must say. And yes, I’ve missed you too. But now you’re home and I want to know everything. So let’s get you settled, dearie. And perhaps a nice cup of Crownmist tea while you catch your breath?”

“Heaven,” sighed Maelin. “Absolutely Heaven. I feel like I’ve been travelling for months.”

“Well then, let’s get you inside.” Darady efficiently seized Maelin’s larger bag, and slid it into the hallway, her strong arms making light of the hefty burden.

Maelin followed with her two smaller ones, her eyes roaming the large impressive foyer. “Oh goodness, nothing changes much, does it?”

“Not around here, dearie, no. And you shouldn’t be surprised at that...”

“I’m not,” grinned Maelin. “Actually, it’s comforting in an odd sort of way.”

“Well, it’s not some Conservatory in the middle of the ocean, that’s for sure.”

Before Maelin had the chance to answer, a young lad in neatly pressed clothing appeared, looking at Darady somewhat nervously.

“Ah, here’s young Bray. Shaping up to be a very good footman, he is.” She smiled at him then glanced at Maelin. “M’nephew.”

“Oh my,” answered Maelin. “We are truly becoming a family, aren’t we?” She leaned toward the lad. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bray. Your aunt is a brilliant woman, so if you listen to her, we’ll get on just fine.”

“Thank you, my Lady,” he bowed very formally, then shot a quick glance at Darady. “May I help with the luggage?”