Days blurred into a steady rhythm at the Veyne Mansion. Kael rose with the dawn, his boots crunching on gravel as he inspected the runestone quarries.
The air was crisp, heavy with the scent of pine and earth, the distant howls of Wolfswood's wolves a constant setting. He assigned extra guards to the quarry's perimeter, their weapons glinting in the morning light, their eyes sharp for Dravalia's raiders or Valthorne's scouts.
Each day, he checked the fortifications, noting weak points and barking orders to tighten defenses. The workers nodded respectfully to his instructions.
Back at the mansion, Sera had settled in quite easily, her quiet presence blending with the household. She and Sylvara became inseparable, their laughter echoing through the courtyards as they played with wolf pups or practiced archery.
