ARES POV

I placed my hand on the doorknob and pushed the door open, the hinges creaking slightly in protest. The heavy oak door gave way to the dim, solemn interior of my study. The scent of old books, leather, and a faint trace of smoke lingered in the air—comforting and cold all at once. Jason trailed behind me silently like a shadow, but the moment I stepped in, my eyes locked on the two figures already occupying my space.

They were exactly where Jason said they’d be.

One of them, ...