The moment Verona stepped out of the carriage onto the gravel driveway, a small whirlwind of white linen and lace collided with her.
"My Lady! Oh, thank the heavens! Thank the gods!" Brielle cried out. Before Verona could even steady herself, the maid had grabbed her hands, shaking them with a desperate strength. Brielle didn't stop there. She began to twirl Verona around, her eyes darting frantically over the torn silver silk and the soot-stained hem of her gown. "Are you hurt? Did a beast touch you? I heard they had claws as long as daggers! Oh, my Lady, let me look at you!"
Verona couldn't help but let out a soft, tired laugh as she allowed herself to be spun. "Brielle, stop, you'll make me dizzy. I'm fine. Truly, I am fine."
