It took several days of travel for the small group—Renard, Zain, and the old man—to arrive back at Draemir territory.
Going back to Taira Castle was still not safe. The commander there had seen Renard's awakening, and who knew what kind of trap might be waiting for him. So Renard could only return to his grandfather's domain for now.
The moment they arrived at the main estate, Renard knew he was in trouble.
Lord Augustus was waiting for them in the courtyard, his face dark with anger. The old man was tall and imposing even in his seventies, with silver hair and sharp gray eyes that missed nothing. Right now, those eyes were focused entirely on Renard.
"So," Augustus said coldly, "you finally decided to come here."
Renard tried to put on his best innocent smile. "Grandfather, I can explain—"
