William hadn't truly realised how much his long absence had pushed them to the edge of worry. Seeing the shadows under their eyes and the way they clung to his every word made him feel a rare pang of guilt.
They had spent a long night talking, exchanging stories of his fight against the Fox, and laughing until their sides ached. Even Becky and the young Anna had joined the festivities, bridging the gap between his past and his future. It was a rare moment of peace before the coming storm.
Now, however, the laughter was replaced by a heavy sense of responsibility. This was the meeting day, the day that would set the Fox Guild upon a fast-track training period, ending with their collective ascension.
