Julius' eyes snapped open. The wind howled as he lunged to his feet, his arm reaching for his waist before swinging in a smooth, lethal motion. Yet, as he felt his tense muscle cut through the air, his eyes narrowed upon realising his trusted gladius was gone.
"Where am I?" He muttered, his eyes darting left and right to scan his surroundings before enlarging.
He recognised the old shop he grew up in. But why was he inside? Did the Ashfords plan for this? Despite his nostalgia and silent prayer for grandpa Theodore's soul, he warily eyed the place, searching for Alexander and Reynard.
A moment later, his eyes lit up. His enemies weren't there, but he saw his brother floating by the library, his grandpa resting behind the counter, and his mother sorting ingredients with a focused expression.
