"Good. Then you may all return to your work," Ruston concluded, rising from his seat.
As he left the room, he thought to himself, 'Renan, my grandson, I know you may one day see this as a cruel decision, but it's for your own good. Please don't blame your grandfather.'
Meanwhile, Renan, oblivious to the decision made about his future, was exploring the world outside the castle for the first time, and observing it unaware of the decision that has been made for him.
_____
Renan walked down the bustling street, holding Nymeria's hand, his wide eyes taking in the sights around him. Yet, behind the childlike curiosity he displayed, his thoughts churned. 'Ugh, these feelings again. I thought I could handle them, but they're even worse than before,' he said, fighting to mask the disgust that threatened to surface. He forced himself to maintain the curious expression of an innocent child.
