Back At Westmont

The journey back to Westmont was both long and short—long in distance, yet swift and uneventful, allowing Damien the rare opportunity to travel without complications.

No sudden ambushes or troublesome encounters. Neither were there unknown threats lurking in the shadows.

Just the steady rhythm of Aquila's wings, cutting through the sky as the beast carried him closer and closer to home.

By the time Damien saw the distant walls of Westmont, the afternoon sun peeked through the clouds, bathing the town in warm golden light.

His grip tightened slightly on Aquila's feathers as he took in the familiar sight.

It had been days since he left.

And he had no idea what kind of welcome awaited him.

As he approached, Aquila's keen eyes locked onto the gate, and almost immediately, the guards stationed there reacted.

From his vantage point in the sky, Damien didn't miss it—

One of the sentries at the tower froze, staring directly at him.