99. Xander

M y insides feel cold as our convoy rolls to a stop many hours later.

I step out of the Drakos Hummer and onto the lush estate of my forefathers. My sire waits for me above the grand stairs and between two sentinel dragon sculptures with an expectant gleam in his dark eyes.

Ghoul steps out of the truck containing Serpent Spawn and I ignore his arrogant gaze. We are not friends. We are barely allies.

As I walk up the black stone stairs, I prod my dragon, but he does not reply.

I address my father, eye to eye. My own voice sounds distant but strong. Because I am.

I am stronger than before. More ruthless than before. "I did what you asked of me. I tore my soul in two. Now I am free of her."

Something heavy is clasped around my neck. I look down to see the solid gold chain and crest of the family sigil returned to its rightful place upon my chest.

My father's arm rests around my shoulders and something in me jolts at the memory of this type of touch. "Well done, my son and heir. Welcome home."