A full week had passed since the incident with the snake in the white gazebo.
The dark atmosphere inside the Benson mansion had shifted slightly. The servants were still very careful and quiet, walking on their tiptoes whenever they passed the master bedroom. But the immediate, suffocating fear of execution had slowly faded away. They were settling into a new, careful routine without Mrs. Ida's strict commands.
Damon's left leg had healed with incredible, almost unnatural speed. The military doctors were amazed. The thick white bandages were completely gone, replaced by a simple, tight wrapping of brown cloth for support. He no longer needed the wooden wheelchair. He walked with a very slight limp, but his steps were firm, strong, and confident.
Early that morning, Damon had stood in the grand foyer, dressed in his dark blue military uniform. His sword hung heavily at his side. Kade stood respectfully behind him, holding a stack of leather folders.
