After ensuring that Rin was stable and her family had time to process their miraculous reunion, I quietly excused myself from the Ashbluff estate. The sight of them together—truly together for the first time in eighteen years—filled me with satisfaction that made every moment of strain worthwhile. But there were other matters that required my attention, and I had already imposed on their hospitality long enough.
"Where are you going?" Jin asked as I prepared to leave, his diplomatic instincts recognizing that my departure carried more weight than a simple farewell.
"To settle an old debt," I replied simply, adjusting Nyxthar's position at my side. "There's someone I need to see at the western border."
Valen looked up from where he sat beside Rin's bed, his enhanced senses no doubt detecting the subtle shift in my demeanor. "The Savage Communion?"
I confirmed with a slight smile. "Don't worry about it. I'll be back before you know it."
