BORIS AND MARCUS

As I stepped through the doorway, I felt an unfamiliar lightness in my body. The years that had weighed on me, the creeping presence of old age, had vanished, thanks to Maurice's blood. My senses were sharper, keener. By the time we returned from the border, I knew the transformation had taken hold completely. Even after the Lords of Sith—Cedric, Maxell, and Emmet—had departed, I realized that my life had now become entwined with Draego. There was no turning back.

With that newfound energy coursing through me, I made my way to Pa's office. He stood before the large maps plastered on the wall, his eyes intent, studying the borders and territories. When I entered, he turned around with a soft smile, his face creasing into lines that somehow seemed lighter than usual. He gestured to the empty chair next to his desk, an unspoken invitation for me to sit.