Damien arrived back at the pack as night settled in fully.

The gates were still open. Guards bowed as he passed, but he barely noticed. His steps slowed only when he reached the front steps of the main building.

Cassien was already there.

He stood with his arms crossed, leaning slightly against the stone railing, his face tight with tension and waiting. The moment he saw Damien, he straightened.

“You took long,” Cassien said.

Damien stopped a few steps away. He did not look rushed anymore. ...