"The young female won't have the heart to send him back once she sees the scale of what we've prepared."
The elder's words rang clearly through the cavernous hall, his tone sharp with urgency and anticipation. The very air seemed to tighten around them, heavy with expectation. Upon hearing this, Ray Tilian, the Wolf King, finally allowed himself a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Relief flooded his chest so suddenly that his knees nearly weakened beneath him.
"Praise the Beast God," Ray exclaimed, his voice thick with gratitude and barely restrained desperation.
For years—far too many years—he had exhausted every possible means to reach his son. Reasoning, threats, coaxing, even pleading had all failed.
But now… now there was hope. The image of finally delivering Xarion Tilian into the care of his destined female ignited something long-dormant in Ray's heart. It was like spotting a single candle in an endless dark corridor.
