The Aegis Ward recognized him before he even touched the handle.
The faint blue shimmer around the front door pulsed once and then faded to transparent, allowing him to enter.
Holden stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
When he heard the door lock, he felt a big change in his body. He had been carrying a lot of worry for weeks without admitting it, but now that tension finally started to disappear.
He leaned back against the door and breathed.
Holden smiled.
It had been years since he actually felt happy enough to smile with his whole face.
"Okay," he said to the empty hallway. "That's enough drama for one week."
He pushed off the door and walked to the kitchen.
He set Vespera's Gold Chest on the kitchen table and sat down.
The lid was much heavier than it seemed, but he pulled it open. Inside, two items were sitting on a piece of black cloth.
