A convoy of black SUVs pulled through the gates of Moon Estate shortly after midday. The guards recognized it immediately and opened the gates without delay. When the vehicles came to a stop in front of the villa, Lord Ashley stepped out. His silver hair stirred gently in the highmoon breeze as he looked around the estate.
It had been some time since his last visit, yet the familiar grounds brought him little comfort. Instead, they reminded him of the secret he had carried for far too long, one he had promised King Eldric he would never reveal until the danger had passed. Now the danger was over, yet the silence remained.
A maid approached him with a respectful bow. "Welcome, Your Majesty."
Ashley returned the greeting with a polite nod before looking toward the villa. "Is my Soft Fang home?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," the maid replied. "She's in the west garden."
"And the pups?"
"They're in the west garden too."
He paused and glanced toward the garden. "Alpha King is here?"
