"Horace… I think it's best if you stay with your mate," Xavier said quietly, his voice low but steady. "Let me handle this."
Horace exhaled sharply. "I know why I don't want you to go there, Xavier."
The seriousness in his tone made Xavier pause.
"Please."
A beat passed before Xavier nodded. "Alright… if you say so. I'll be on my way there."
"Take Alicia with you," Horace added, making Xavier's brows lift slightly. "She doesn't know this land. I'll be waiting."
He ended the call.
Ariel, who had been watching him with growing unease, finally spoke.
"Did something happen?" she asked, noticing the tension in his shoulders, the way his jaw tightened.
She had never seen him like this—restless, worried.
"Horace, are you alright?" she repeated softly, placing the breakfast tray aside.
"Yeah… I'm fine, love." His voice was calm, too calm. "Something came up, and I have to go back."
"What came up?" she asked, her voice dipping into concern.
