It was already edging toward mid-morning when Yannis finally left, the echo of his departure swallowed by the vast silence of the estate.
Lara watched him as he disappeared from her view before she checked her cellphone for the promised password, but none came.
Lara stepped into the mansion. Sunlight filtered through the tall glass windows, spilling across polished marble floors in long, golden streaks.
She expected the usual stillness—but stopped short.
There was someone new.
In the living room, seated like he owned not just the space but the very air within it, was an old man. Ares and Asher stood nearby, their usual composure intact, while little Shay perched comfortably on his lap as if she had always belonged there.
The man looked… old, yes—but not frail.
