Page 215 of Shifting Hearts 1
Rising out of the trees like something torn from a forgotten century, the mansion loomed, its pale stone walls almost glowing against the dark pines. Tall iron gates guarded the driveway, their black bars etched with frost, while lanterns flickered along the path like watchful eyes.
Through the fogged Uber window, the place looked both regal and menacing. It was a statement. Old wealth. Old power. A place meant to impress, and to intimidate.
As the car rolled closer, the forest pressed in behind it, as if the mansion itself were the threshold between the wild and something far more dangerous.
Em jumped out as soon as we arrived, running to the gate intercom and pressing the button.
A girl’s voice answered, one I didn’t recognize. There was a squeal of excitement before the gates slowly opened.
The estate was breathtaking. A sprawling, snow-covered mansion stood proudly at the end of a double driveway lined with bare, frost-kissed trees. The driveway split in two, wrapping around a grand stone fountain frozen in place. Five garages flanked the left side, and behind them stood several well-maintained guest cottages, their rooftops capped with thick blankets of white.
The garden was a winter wonderland, hedges trimmed with icicles, frosted rose bushes still clinging to the memory of bloom, and glowing lanterns casting warm amber light along the winding paths.
Everything sparkled under the soft, late-afternoon sun.
The driver pulled up and stopped. The car door opened with a soft click.
Annie stepped out of the house.
Inside, everything tilted, disoriented, unsteady, but on the outside, I was composed. Calm.
Act like you have no idea who she is.
I grabbed my bag as Paul gave me a quick glance, his eyes searching mine for something unspoken. We walked together toward Annie and Em, who were already wrapped in a warm embrace.
“I missed you,” Annie said into her shoulder, Brushing a hand through Em’s hair
“Yeah, I know,” Em replied, “So, which one is ours?”
“You’re not sleeping in the house?” Annie asked.
“No, I have guests.”
“Oof, I can smell them from all the way over here.”
“At least it’s a pleasant smell,” Paul said dryly, making Em laugh.
“Paul, I want you to meet my cousin, Florence.”
Cousin?
She looked just like Annie. Same striking features, same graceful posture. She had to be Jesse’s sister, they could pass for Jace and Annie reincarnated.
“Finally, Paul,” she said warmly, pulling him into a quick hug.
“And this is my best friend, Natasha.”
I extended my hand, my expression neutral.
She took it, and shook it once.“Heard a lot about both of you.”
“Like wise,” I spoke soft.
“You are the girl my brother cannot stop talking about?”
“Say what?”
Em and Paul laughed.
