The carriage finally came to a halt before the sprawling Holyfield mansion. The air smelled faintly of roses and wet soil, freshly watered from the garden fountains nearby.
All three women stepped down one after another—Aqua first, her expression shining with joy and anticipation; Joy followed, composed but sharp, her gaze scanning everything like a hawk; and Maria last, stepping gracefully, her eyes full of curiosity.
Each of them carried their own emotion, their own purpose for being there.
Aqua's heart fluttered as she clutched her skirt.
'Finally...I can see him again.'
She could almost picture Cassius's calm smile, his voice, his warmth. She wanted to run to him and hug him tightly, to make up for all the time they had lost.
Joy, on the other hand, had no such tender thoughts. Her eyes were keen, her face still as stone.
'The devil in human form.' She thought. 'Let's see what kind of man could earn such a reputation.'
