Vicky and Pai were the first to step inside, crossing the room to stand beside their mother and father.
Finally, Vorden entered, Quin trailing a few steps behind.
Vorden's heart pounded faster than it had in years. For a moment, he kept his gaze low, but eventually, he forced himself to look up—and there they were, every pair of eyes fixed on him, just as intimidating as he remembered.
"Vorden!" Hilston's voice boomed across the hall. "I'm guessing that's you, anyway. I half-expected you'd vanish in all this chaos with the Dalki. These fools thought you were dead, but I never doubted you for a second."
Vorden didn't reply—he just let out a dry, knowing laugh.
"And who is this you've brought with you?" Hilston's eyes narrowed at Quin. "Such a frail, fragile boy. Why bring an outsider? Don't tell me you've found a new chained or us?"
"No, no," Vorden answered quickly. "The little one insisted on bringing him. He doesn't even have an ability."
"Huh. Then he's a liability—and a threat to be eliminated. No one beyond us can know about Blade Island."
"But think about it, Grandpa," Vorden pressed. "The little one made a friend. That's progress, isn't it?"
Hilston studied him for a moment, then waved a dismissive hand. "I asked the servants to prepare a grand feast for your arrival. We'll decide later what to do with your friend. For now, rest in your room. We'll talk privately soon."
Quin caught every word, and the moment he heard the word "threat," a shiver ran through him. Regret gnawed at his gut—coming here with Vorden was starting to feel like a mistake. And yet, he kept his silence, just as Vorden had asked. Still, the constant labeling—frail, fragile, weak—was beginning to burn in his chest.
Who even is this 'little one'? Quin thought bitterly. Vorden, you'd better explain everything once we're somewhere private.
Vorden didn't answer. He just gave a small nod, bowed, and walked off toward his room, ready to wait until dinner.
As soon as he left, Hilston's smile disappeared.
"So, he's still the same," Hilston said with a sigh.
"He switched during our fight earlier, but he is kind of attached to the weak boy, just like in the past" Vicky added.
"Maybe this weak boy can serve a purpose on bringing Sil back, he has never done such a thing in the past but for this stranger boy he did, I certainly think if he goes to the military school after this 1-month break, he may surely have a breakthrough in bringing Sil out" Brock one of the servants suggested.
Normally, servants wouldn't dare interfere in any of the families matters but brock had a special place in the family.
"Maybe," Hilston said, running a hand through his rough beard. "But I'm starting to think we should send him back to the temple."
When they heard Hilston speak of this, each one of them started to shake slightly. The hairs on the edge of their bodies stood up.