Aiden stepped through first—boots solid against the familiar floor, Fluffynugget on his shoulder, a tired but triumphant smirk already curling his lips.
Luna was glued to his left arm, fingers digging in possessively, tail swishing high like a victory banner.
Her ears were perked forward, blue eyes bright with the promise of food and home.
The rest of the dungeon party spilled out behind him in a loose, laughing cluster.
"Finally—"
"I'm starving."
"If I don't eat in the next minute, I might actually die."
"I call the stew."
Aiden barely had time to blink before the sound hit him fully.
The room erupted with his wives and children calling him.
Every single person in the room dropped what they were doing.
Zerra stopped mid-pace, eyes wide.
"He's back."
Valeforia exhaled like she'd been holding her breath for days. "Finally."
Xylendra was the first to move, boots already pounding across the floor.
Valeforia's eyes were bright with relief.
