Aric pushed open the heavy doors to his study, the flickering candlelight spilling into the grand room as he strode in. His steps were steady, almost leisurely, but there was a coiled energy in the way he moved—like a predator that had just tasted blood.
The close members of his court—Serina, Lerai, Borag, Twitcher, and Alan—were already gathered inside, their faces a mix of anticipation and unease. They looked up as he entered, their conversations cutting off mid-sentence.
"Well?" Serina asked, her sharp green eyes locking onto him. "Was it worth the risk?"
Aric smirked as he approached the large desk dominating the center of the room. Without a word, he raised his hand, and with a soft shimmer, the stolen documents spilled out from his inventory, forming a neatly stacked pile on the polished wood. The sight of them made his court lean forward, curiosity lighting up their faces.