Gideon
The castle loomed exactly as I remembered it—ancient stone soaked in centuries of blood, politics, and secrets better left buried. Even in daylight, the air around it felt heavy, as if the shadows were only pretending to sleep. King Dorian’s presence pressed against my senses before he ever spoke. Power rolled off him in controlled waves, the kind that didn’t need to snarl to remind you who ruled here. When he extended his hand, I noted the deliberate calm in the gesture. A king greeting a prince. An ally. A reminder that I was very far from home.
"Prince Gideon, welcome. I wasn't expecting to have you visiting again quite so soon." King Dorian clasped my forearm as I met him on the wide steps of his castle.
"Nor was I, King Dorian. Unfortunately, there have been some very troubl
