The transport touched down on a landing pad that stretched for several acres, its surface made from a dark metal that seemed to absorb sound. Lucas stepped out to find himself surrounded by men in deep blue uniforms, their chest plates bearing the Grey family's lightning insignia. What struck him wasn't the ceremonial nature of their gear, but how practical it looked—reinforced fabric that moved like cloth but caught light like armor, boots that made no sound on the metal decking, and weapons that hummed with the steady pulse of beast core energy.
"Welcome home, Prince Lucas," the lead guard said, his voice carrying the crisp tone of someone who'd done this many times before.
