Chapter 82: Weight of the Bloodline
The balcony off Hannah's guest chamber overlooked the manor's quiet west garden, soft golden light spilling over the stone railings.
The air smelled of clipped grass and distant roses, calm enough to make her almost forget the chaos of the day.
Bart leaned against the railing, broad shoulders loose for once.
To Hannah's quiet disbelief, Ren lay curled on his lap, small as a house cat, gnawing contentedly on fresh berries the servants had left for her refreshment.
The dragon didn't even squirm when Bart's calloused hand stroked his scaly head — unthinkable for anyone else.
Only the two of them were there.
Mimi had gone to soak in the manor's lavish bath, and Mike had wandered off to the kitchens, almost certainly pestering the maids and flirting his way into extra pastries.
Bart spoke first, low and steady, eyes fixed on the garden.
"So you are going to stay here? Is this your final destination?" He paused, his voice softening.
