ARES' POV

The moment I stepped into the castle, I felt like I was walking through fire.

Every muscle in my body was tight with tension, my golden eyes bloodshot from the torment surging through me. My breathing was heavy, controlled,but barely. Each step I took downstairs the grand hallway felt heavier than the last. My vision blurred slightly, but I ignored it, masking my pain as I strode past my subjects, my usual intimidating aura keeping them from questioning my state.

"Welcome back, ...