The moment the voice echoed across the entrance, the large gate began to move.
A deep metallic sound filled the air as the heavy iron doors slowly opened outward.
The sunlight fell through the widening gap, stretching across the ground like a path welcoming them inside.
Dust shifted lightly near the entrance as the movement disturbed the stillness, and the soft breeze carried that sound further into the estate.
Vivian and Vined guided their horses forward, but only for a short distance.
Just past the gate, they pulled the reins and brought the horses to a stop near the side.
The animals let out quiet breaths, their bodies still from the long journey, while the two men sat still for a brief moment.
Then, without saying anything, both of them stepped down.
Their boots touched the ground almost at the same time.
For a second, they simply stood there.
It had only been months since they were last seen, yet the change in them was clear the moment they came into full view.
