Malrik POV

The road back East felt endless, each mile dragging like lead. I should have felt relief at the thought of returning home, at the chance to finally put my lands in order but instead, my mind churned with unrest. The truth was, I couldn’t afford relief.

The families were gathering behind closed doors, speaking in hushed tones, conspiring in shadows. I needed answers before the whispers became something far more dangerous.

Was it the Mancini heir behind this? Or Tavrix?

Logic ...