The wheels ground to a halt against the gravel driveway of the ducal manor. The moment the carriage door was pulled open by an attending footman, Cherion barely waited for the stepping stool before hopping down onto the stone path.
He didn't make it three steps toward the grand entrance before the heavy double oak doors were thrown wide open from the inside.
Standing under the bright amber glow of the entryway chandeliers was Zarius. His tall, broad frame was completely rigid, his dark coat unbuttoned at the neck, and his piercing eyes locked onto Cherion with an intensity that practically burned through the cool night air. Right behind him stood Flio, looking pale, frantic, and clutching a stack of unread intelligence reports.
"Zarius!" Cherion called out, breaking into a brisk walk.
