''It doesn't look like you're in any danger,'' Rea continued, touching the stripes sealed by stone. ''I'd even say that the stone healed and merged with your skin.''
She paused for a moment, tilting her head. ''Very peculiar indeed.''
Just before she could utter another word, the doors behind her opened.
Several soldiers walked through, their expressions sharp and serious.
A single, broad and muscular man walked behind them.
Theo's eyes narrowed slightly as he recognized the familiar figure.
'That's Iris's father,' he thought. 'Leoric Blackwood.'
''Continue on without me,'' the man ordered calmly.
The soldiers turned immediately, saluted once, and exited without hesitation.
Finally, the man turned to Iris, his expression softening slightly.
''Iris.''
Iris stiffened slightly.
''Father,'' she replied, lowering her head just a little.
Leoric's gaze shifted to Rea, nodding once before scanning the other faces in the room.
