As the sky outside started turning orange, the door creaked open again, and Owen popped his head in. "Axelius," he called, floating in with a small frown. "We need to go back."
Axelius blinked, then looked out the window. "Oh, already?"
Owen crossed his arms. "You forgot, didn't you?"
"...A little," Axelius admitted, scratching the back of his head with a grin.
Axelius stood and gave the dwarf a small bow. "Thanks for your time, Tarn. I'll come back soon."
Tarn waved a hand without looking up. "Go on then, kid. I'll get started on the list—see what we've got, what we need."
Axelius grinned, but before turning to go, he whispered to the shadow "Nyx."
A faint shimmer appeared, and the skeletal hound poked his head out quietly.
"Stay in his shadow," Axelius said, glancing back at the dwarf. "If he tries anything... betray me or screw us over..."
