Oberon exhaled heavily, nodding with a grave expression.
"Tell me everything that's happened," Atticus said.
Oberon nodded once, firmly. Seeing this, Anastasia quietly stepped back and excused herself, giving them space.
Atticus didn't interrupt much. He remained silent through most of the conversation, only asking a few questions to clarify details as Oberon walked him through everything.
Still, with each passing word, Atticus's expression grew darker.
Then, finally, his voice broke the silence.
"Did anyone die?"
It was a vague question. This was war, death was expected. But Oberon understood what Atticus really meant.
Did any of his loved ones die?
Oberon shook his head. "None."
That answer eased part of the pressure pressing against Atticus's chest. Anastasia had mentioned the same thing earlier, but she'd been focused solely on his recovery.
