After spending a peaceful afternoon at Morgana's mansion, reconnecting with Lucy and Maria, Alaric felt a sense of calm. He cherished the rare moments with his family, knowing how precious they were, especially given the dangers that lurked around every corner of his world. But the weight of his responsibilities was never far behind. As the evening sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape, Alaric bid his family farewell and headed back to his own mansion.
Upon his arrival, the grand entrance of the mansion stood solemn and still, save for the faint flicker of torches lining the stone pathway. The familiar hum of energy in the air—the kind that had always seemed to linger around his home—greeted him. Stepping through the massive double doors, Alaric was immediately met by Gilbert, who had clearly been waiting for him.
