Chapter 49

𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙀

Moments later, the door is pushed to the side and Kacie steps in. She moves aside and holds the frame as though reluctant to invite what waits in the hall.

Right after her, walks in Glover Vance. He leans heavily on a walker, and a woman with wavy black hair, braces an elbow to guide him forward. His body is bent. Once, I remember, how he carried himself like he was untouchable with his shoulders straight and constantly locked jaw. Now he looks like a shell of that man, with sallow skin and lips tight with effort as he makes his way into my office. The only thing that's reminiscent of the man I knew, is his steel grey eyes, eeringly similar to Alera's.

For a flicker of a second, I feel pity for him. His illness has really done a number on him.

But the pity dies as quickly as it sparks. He wanted this audience. And judging by the fury already simmering in his eyes, he didn’t come here for sympathy.

I dismiss the woman by his side with a nod. She hesitates but obe