Galen froze the moment the door opened. His heart nearly stopped when he saw the figure waiting right outside. His father stood there.
Beta Trovald leaned against the wall, his arms crossed and a wide grin across his face.
"Well, well," Trovald said with a low chuckle, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Look who's finally come back to life."
Galen blinked, speechless. "Father—"
"Don't 'Father' me, boy," Trovald interrupted, laughing heartily. "You really think I wouldn't notice when the Heiress of Lycanthria spends two days in my son's room?"
Galen rubbed the back of his neck, heat rising to his face. "It's not what you're thinking."
Trovald raised a brow. "Oh, really? Because from where I'm standing, it looks exactly what I'm thinking."
"Father," Galen said, his voice firm but his ears betraying a faint red.
Trovald chuckled again, clearly enjoying himself. "Relax, son. I'm just teasing. But you can't blame me for being curious. I haven't seen you smile like that in years."
