Gregoris had barely crossed the threshold of the imperial wing when his instincts took over. Arik's small body was trembling in his arms, his curls damp with sweat, his hands clinging to him in a way that was nothing like the boy he trained daily.
"Marin," Gregoris barked the order the moment he caught sight of a passing Shadow. His steel-grey eyes sharpened, leaving no room for hesitation. "Now. Tell him it's urgent."
The Shadow vanished down the hall in a blur.
Gregoris pushed through the wards into the imperial suite, his grip steady though the boy's weight felt heavier than any armor he'd carried into war. He sat down on the nearest couch, keeping Arik close, murmuring in the low, even tone he used on the training field when one of his recruits faltered.
"It's alright, pup. Breathe. You're safe. You're with me."
