A brilliant blue flash lit up the Magic Teleportation Array in Amnath City, and Ang appeared steadily at its center.
Before the chill on his robes had fully faded, he heard the stationed soldiers snap to attention and salute. "My lord."
Ang gave a slight nod and waved to indicate that there was no need for formalities, then strode quickly through the Lord's Mansion toward Quintina's office.
The familiar stone-paved road stretched beneath his feet. Amnath's sunlight spilled over the silver-white towers, looking much as it had when he left, yet carrying a renewed vitality in its details.
He pushed open the familiar wooden door with practiced ease.
Inside the office, Quintina was bent over her desk writing, her brows tightly furrowed as though some document was troubling her.
"Didn't I say not to disturb me—" Without even looking up, her voice carried exhaustion and impatience.
"What? Did something happen to upset you?" Ang's voice was gentle, with a trace of amusement.
Quintina suddenly looked up and froze for a moment. Then her eyes lit up. In the next instant, she jumped to her feet and threw herself into Ang's arms, wrapping both arms tightly around his neck.
"Ang! Why did you suddenly come back?" she exclaimed excitedly, like a cat throwing itself into a warm harbor.
Ang chuckled and held her, gently stroking her back. "What is it? Did someone make you angry?"
"No, it's just that there have been far too many nobles visiting lately, and each one is harder to deal with than the last." Quintina gave a soft huff, sounding a little aggrieved. "They're either here to cause trouble or fish for information. It's giving me a headache."
Ang lowered his head and kissed her fiercely on the lips. Only when she was nearly unable to