When River saw Heiko enter, her eyes met his briefly. A flicker of uncertainty crossed her face—but there was also something else.
Trust.
She didn’t smile. She didn’t bow. But her shoulders seemed to relax by a fraction.
He nodded to her family respectfully before taking his seat at the head of the table.
Everyone was waiting for him.
Heiko glanced across the table before starting to eat.
--
The heavy oak doors slammed shut behind Thas as he stormed into his father's private chamber, his footsteps echoing with frustration and dread.
Peter sat at the head of the long table, papers scattered before him like fallen soldiers. The morning light filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting red and gold hues over his stern features—but there was nothing warm in his expression.
Th
