As the crowd began to disperse, Edmund and Sasha prepared to return to the palace, but something caught Edmund's attention—a familiar presence nearby.
The chief guard of the platoon stationed at the kingdom's gate during Edmund's frenzy nearly two months ago was in the vicinity. He stood a few feet away, his eyes narrowing as he seemed to recognize something.
Before Edmund could turn away, he felt a sharp sting on his hand. He had accidentally scraped his skin against the iron railing of the property gate. A few droplets of his blood pooled at the wound, the scent immediately wafting through the air.
The chief guard's eyes widened, and his nostrils flared as he caught the scent. His lips parted slightly, as though the smell had triggered a memory. His gaze fixed on Edmund with an intensity that sent a chill down Edmund's spine.
