Leila's POV:
Chase was back.
When I first caught sight of him walking into the castle, I felt an inexplicable wave of emotions that I wasn't quite ready to face. Relief, yes. He had been gone far longer than I'd expected, and even though he'd assured me he wouldn't be away for long, the days dragged on endlessly. But beneath the relief was something darker—an unease I couldn't shake.
I had a sinking feeling that whatever had taken him away was tied to my past. Perhaps it was just paranoia. Maybe it wasn't. Either way, I didn't want to dwell on it. So, I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the fact that he was here, alive and well.
Ash had noticed him first. I had been standing at the edge of the hall, watching as Ash played one of his silly games with a guard, his laughter echoing in the grand space. The second he saw Chase, his entire face lit up.
"Uncle Chase!" Ash cried, barreling toward him like a whirlwind.
