"Done making trouble now?

You need to head back to Mistlyn soon, kid. I'm running out of patience, you know."

Aldus' voice came through the phone, steady and powerful, but with a hint of firmness. Theodore knew it wasn't out of anger. With a sense that Aldus was still energetic, his spirits lifted and his voice softened.

“Grandpa.” Theodore called to the man on the other end of the line. His icy gaze warmed, and the stern facade he had maintained towards Zayden began to dissolve.

“I'm almost done here, as long as—"