The carriage stopped. The gates of the Black Estate opened. The carriage rode into the courtyard of the Blake Manor, Alaric's and Daphne's home.
"Prepare the inner wing," Alaric commanded. "Seal every entrance. From this moment, no one enters or leaves without my order."
"Yes, Regent Majesty," Gideon, the head knight and captain of the Shadow Knights answered.
Alaric led the Emperor down the long corridor
.
Finally, the chamber doors shut behind them, locking the Emperor into the heart of Alaric's fortress.
"You're safe now," he said, though his voice carried no gentleness.
"Thank you, Ric. For everything.", Arin tells him, sincerity beaming in his eyes.
Only then did Alaric allow himself a breath.
Not relief. Never relief.
Just the knowledge that for tonight, the lion had stolen the prey from the hunter's jaws.
But he knew better than anyone, prey hidden was still prey hunted. And somewhere in the palace, his Rose was waiting. Vulnerable. Wounded. Alone.
