A Shocking News

"Roland," I began, my voice carrying a hint of weariness from the long journey, "go find Richard and tell him I'll be meeting with the City Lord shortly. Also, remind him to load the first batch of ingots onto the caravan heading to Ice Demon City. It's time for us to return home."

A flicker of something akin to excitement, a rare sight on Roland's usually stoic face, danced in his eyes at the mention of "home." It was understandable. He, too, must yearn for the warmth of family after a month spent on the road. And I, myself, ached for the familiar embrace of my mother and the laughter of my siblings, faces I hadn't seen in what felt like an eternity.

The thought of my mother, her brow perpetually creased with worry, tugged at my heartstrings. I could almost picture her, pacing anxiously in our home, fretting over my supposed absence.

When I had to feign Riel's absence, she would often seek me out, her eyes searching for reassurance in Ethan's form. I would have to offer her hollow c