The air in Aldric's mansion was thick and heavy as it dawned on the servants, who had been left behind and enjoying his absence for days, that their little vacation was over. The dark Fae prince was back, and it was time to behave.
Aldric's sudden arrival on the lawn, carrying Islinda in his arms, disrupted the brief respite the servants had enjoyed. They whispered anxiously among themselves, their previous relaxed demeanor replaced by nervous energy. One servant, who had stumbled upon Aldric as he materialized out of nowhere, stood frozen in shock.
Ignoring the servant, Aldric moved with purposeful strides toward his quarters, cradling Islinda carefully. His focus remained entirely on her, not sparing a glance for anyone else. The servants, accustomed to his unpredictable comings and goings, had maintained the mansion in pristine condition, always ready for his return.
