The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Eldoria as I stepped out of the car in front of the Northwood estate. The once-proud mansion looked diminished somehow, with overgrown gardens and closed curtains that spoke of a family in mourning.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself for what I knew would be a difficult conversation. Three days ago, I had made the riskiest gambit of my life, threatening Conrad Thornton to save Roman and Alaric. Now I was back in Eldoria to finish what I started.
The door swung open before I could knock. Silas Northwood stood framed in the doorway, his once-commanding presence reduced to a hollow shell. Deep shadows hung beneath his bloodshot eyes, and his formerly meticulous appearance had given way to rumpled clothes and several days' worth of stubble.
"So the rumors are true," Silas said, his voice rough. "Liam Knight has returned to Eldoria."
"Hello, Silas," I replied quietly. "May I come in?"
