Damien's POV:
I reached Lazarus' fortress, the cold night air still clinging to my fur as I shifted back into human form. I had carried a small bag in my mouth while in wolf form, and now I pulled out the clothes, quickly dressing as I approached the imposing entrance. Lazarus was there waiting for me, his eyes narrowed in disbelief as he scanned the area behind me, clearly expecting an army at my back.
He found none.
His eyes returned to mine, a flicker of irritation and disbelief crossing his face. "Are you for real?" he asked, his voice carrying a mix of frustration and disbelief. "I ask you to come help me in this war, and you show up alone? This isn't some minor skirmish, Damien. This is a full-blown conflict with Valkar's forces. You think you can handle this by yourself?"
