Permission From Lord Abram

The ride back to Ross Castle was long but uneventful. 

Ren sat atop his horse, his green eyes scanning the familiar yet unfamiliar land around him that had once been his home. 

Thorn rode beside him, their small entourage trailing closely behind. 

Even though Ren had spent four years away, the roads, the fields, and the sight of the great iron gates still stirred something within him.

It was a mixture of nostalgia and unfamiliarity. Home, but not quite the same.

As they approached the courtyard, they could see figures standing waiting. 

At the front, his mother, Lady Maria, stood with her hands clasped, her expression unreadable, until the instant she saw him. Then, her composure broke, and a big smile appeared on his face.

The moment he finally got to the courtyard and dismounted, she rushed forward, her arms wrapping tightly around him.