The Thomas family were still basking in the joy of the court's judgment. The justice served on the Empress's accomplices had brought a deep sense of peace and vindication.
Just then, the sound of carriage wheels outside caught their attention. It wasn't one or two carriages, but a procession of them, each one lined up neatly, filled to the brim with large, red boxes. The sight was a grand spectacle.
The carriages came to a stop, and the doors of the first carriage opened.
A man and a woman emerged, their presence immediately commanding attention. It was Alaric's parents, Lord Ezekiel Blake, a retired commander, and his wife, Lady Huldah.
