Demyan’s POV
The massive iron gates of the Moon Mansion creaked open, revealing the long stone path that led to the estate. Familiar scents of pine, old stone, and hearthfire wrapped around me as the mansion came into view ominous and regal, just like I left it.
Servants rushed out the moment my boots hit the ground. Heads bowed low, voices chorusing a respectful, “Welcome back, my Lord.”
I gave them a curt nod, my eyes scanning past them for one face in particular I hoped I wouldn’t see—
But, of course, he was already waiting on the steps.
Sirek.
My father’s Gamma.
The man was built like a wall, his salt-and-pepper hair tied back in a neat knot, his sharp gray eyes assessing me with a mix of familiarity and superiority. He spread his arms in mock warmth. “Ah, young master. Or shoul
