"Now I've got to do the hard part," Riley murmured, smiling faintly to himself.
Despite the easy expression, there was a depth in his eyes—a countless number of years, burdens, and responsibilities rolling silently behind them.
He exhaled slowly, steadying his mind. Tomorrow… everything would change.
The next day, as dawn light warmed the peaks of the clan's mountains, Riley gathered all his wives and children in the grand courtyard.
The morning wind brushed past them, carrying the scent of blooming spirit-lotus.
"Where are we going, husband?" Aurora asked, her arms around his, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of excitement.
His other wives stood around him—some confused, some amused, some trying to guess the surprise.
His children ran circles around the group, laughing freely.
Riley looked at all of them with a warmth few had ever seen from him.
