Alaric stood near the window, gazing at the moonlit garden outside his mansion, the silver light bathing the landscape in an otherworldly glow. His mind was occupied with the recent events—the looming threat of the Hargroves, the Blackwoods' alliance, and the tension that seemed to follow him like a shadow. For a moment, though, he allowed himself a rare indulgence: peace.
Turning away from the window, Alaric caught sight of Gilbert entering the room. The older man's presence was always comforting, a steady reminder that no matter how chaotic things became, there was always someone at his side to ensure everything ran smoothly.
"Gilbert," Alaric began, his voice steady but with a rare trace of softness, "Get the car ready. I want to go visit Lucy, Mom, and Grandma."
