Chapter 90: Ancient Beings (3)

The soft glow of the afternoon light seeped through the high arched windows of the Guest Pavilion. The faint scent of lavender lingered in the air, meant to soothe, but it did little for my nerves. My boots clicked against the polished stone floor as I approached Faidon's chambers, the weight of my purpose pressing heavily on my chest.

I pushed open the door without knocking. Faidon was propped up on the bed, his usually commanding presence diminished by the pallor of his skin. His neck wound was tightly bandaged, and his breath came slow but steady. Beside him, Eryx was already lounging in a chair as if he owned the place, one leg draped lazily over the armrest. Kharis stood by the window, his sharp eyes scanning the grounds outside.

"Idalia," Eryx purred, his lips curving into a smirk as he leaned forward. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you missed me."