Conri was left sitting alone in the eerie silence of his dining hall. Outside the house, the rain was pouring loudly while the wind angrily smashed into the trees. The simple rain turned into a storm that grew stronger by the minute. It added to why Conri's hands trembled as he poured his favorite bourbon into his glass.

The momentary relief of Acwulf’s departure was quickly replaced by a gnawing anxiety that dug deep into his bones. The tension in his chest hadn’t eased, and Conri ...