A soft knock on my door broke the stillness of the morning. I glanced up from the ancient cultivation text I'd been studying, wondering who would visit at such an early hour.
When I opened the door, Ellis Mitchell stood there, his posture hunched and submissive—a dramatic change from his usual arrogant demeanor. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his normally immaculate clothing appeared slightly rumpled.
"Liam," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "May I come in? I need to speak with you."
I studied him carefully. Despite our confrontation just days ago, there was something different about him today—a desperation that seemed almost genuine.
"What brings you here, Ellis?" I asked, not moving from the doorway.
He swallowed hard. "I've made terrible mistakes. I... I need guidance. And I've brought something to make amends."
