As the portal light faded, the heavy thud of boots echoed beside Sylvaris.
"My liege," Darian said, stepping forward and dropping to one knee with surprising grace for a man his size. "The Hero has returned safely, just as promised." His voice was firm. Loyal. But Sylvaris caught the faintest hint of pride behind it — as if he were handing over a rare weapon he'd spent years sharpening. Darian rose without another word and stepped aside, letting Sylvaris face the royal welcome head-on.
"Sylvaris! My boy! There you are!" The king's loud, oily voice boomed out across the platform, his arms spread wide in theatrical welcome. "I was so worried about you! You disappeared without telling anyone! And look at you now—clearly you weren't just lying low, eh? Surrounded by such beauties… haha! A true man, I see!"
His laughter grated like a dull knife dragged against Sylvaris's nerves. Loud. Shameless. He hated it. Hated the sound. Hated the man.
