The cold wind of the upper sky slowly faded as the white crow landed gently behind the Grand Duke's estate, wings folding with grace.
Axelius hopped down from its back without a word. The crow let out a quiet caw, then shrank into its smaller form, perching on the wall nearby.
Axelius stretched a bit, adjusting his shirt and brushing off the dust on his clothes.
He stepped through the large hole near the back corner of the estate. his personal secret entrance, cracked wide during a previous escape.
He walked casually down the silent halls, boots light on the polished floor. Most of the servants were either asleep or tending to the chaos in the town.
He didn't care to check. His pace quickened as he turned the familiar corners, eyes already set on one destination.
His room.
The door creaked open, and a calm breath escaped him the moment he saw everything just as he left it quiet and untouched.
In the far side of the room, near the wide window, sat a stone. Owen.
