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"Dad, what’s going on? Who is he?" the young nored the questions He walked toward Valek with his brown-eyed gaze locked on hi as Curare Gray had replaced his once-black hair, and wrinkles lined his leathery face A part of Valek noted that he wore a tanner’s uniform as required, but various colored dyes had stained the white diarip on the hilt of his sword, Valek disate He clarief that raged inside him Instead, he channeled the calreat danger

When his father reached the other side of the gate, he opened it and said, "Welcome home, son"

Those three words slammed into him He rocked back on his heels, and only Onyx’s solid body behind hi about?" the young man asked His voice squeaked with alarm

"This is Valek, the Commander’s chief of security and your older brother," his father said "Valek, this is Zebulon"

Zebulon’s shocked expression meant histheir father hadn’t mentioned Valek before And he wondered if Father had told him about Vincent, Viliam and Victor

Just then his et in here! The twins are back! They’re alive!"

Without a word, both lad for the few minutes to collect his wits, which had scattered when his father called him son Completely unexpected, the oke the small boy who had hidden deep down inside him The child who craved his parents’ love and approval and wished to be held and co boy back into his slue was done Valek suddenly needed Yelena’s touch and her strength With her support, he could endure this encounter Without it--he

Valek pulled in a few deep breaths, knowing he didn’t havefrom the house No o to Sitia However, he suspected leaving after only a few hours would be impossible for all concerned

As predicted, five people streaht toward hie kitchen knife and her expression was not welcoer and determination e her cubs She’d saved his life And the nail-shaped scars still marked his shoulder fro the soldiers who’d rab his knives in the face of her charge The others shouted after her to stop and think and calm down, but her stride never wavered She halted on the other side of the open gate and brandished her weapon The others fell silent, or rather held their collective breaths

"You will not harm my children You will not take the them" Glad his voice didn’t shake, he added, "Now that I knoho they are, I will ensure they are protected once they’re in Sitia"

"What do you mean, now that you know?" Mother deestured with the knife "You’ve sent your spies to watch us since the takeover"