Emery spent two weeks inside his domain before he finally stepped out, wearing a deeply satisfied grin.
He walked past the warehouse and immediately noticed that Vic was nowhere in sight. The golems and puppets lay scattered across the floor, unattended.
"Hmm… did he finally give up?" Emery muttered.
Before he could think further, a familiar voice called out.
"Father… you finally came out."
Emery turned and saw Shinta standing at the entrance. "You're back…"
But his smile faded the moment he saw the look on her face—distressed, tense, almost trembling beneath a forced calm.
"What is it?" Emery asked, his voice sharpening.
Shinta forced a smile that looked more like a grimace. "Are you looking for Vic…? I'll bring you to him."
She didn't wait for his answer. Emery was pulled along through the estate until they reached a guest room. Inside, Vic lay on the bed—face pale, body limp, sweat glistening across his brow.
"What happened…?" Emery asked.
