The hall still carried the scent of roasted meats and honeyed bread when Valerian rose from his chair.
His storm-gray eyes flicked toward Vaelric, who sat beside Aurelia, still nibbling at the edge of his pastry.
"Come with me," Valerian said, his tone leaving no room for refusal.
Vaelric blinked up at him, crumbs dusting his lips. "Now, Father?"
"Now," Valerian repeated.
The boy set his pastry down reluctantly, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and slid from the chair.
Aurelia looked uncertain, her hand lingering at Vaelric's sleeve until the boy gave her a reassuring smile.
"I'll be fine," he whispered to her before hurrying to catch up with his father.
Kaelen, Rael, and Therion fell into step behind them as Valerian led the way out of the dining chamber and through the winding corridors of Caelmont's fortress.
Servants bowed as they passed, and whispers followed in their wake, but none dared linger in the Storm Lord's path.
