Gregory cherished the time he’d had with his family, but now, it was over. They’d been together in Krogga and got even more time when they went back to the academy. Their trip across the empire had let Gregory return home to Alturis for the last time. He’d caught up with his family and friends, seeing them having aged and their children already growing. It’d been a balm, but it also caused a deep hurt, knowing that they’d all likely be in Mortum’s embrace before he ever had the chance to return again.

There were still a few bright points for him— Nessa, Daciana, and Victoria had been waiting to join them ever since their academy days. All of them were welcomed into the family as wives with small weddings and a lot of love. Their love grew ever larger, and the trio settled into the spots that’d been waiting for them.

They hadn’t been the only ones to finally find love, either. Dia had married Willof and was even hoping for a child with him. Even the ornery chef, Gordon Brown, had an entreaty of hope from the unlikely source of Sakura-Ji.

That time of joy had come to an end shortly after the academy tournament. They’d known about it all along, but parting with their family, both new and old, was still heart-wrenching. His wives were scattered across the empire and beyond, while Gregory was sent to the least desirable and most remote posting he could be shoved into.

The sands of Limaz would be his view for an untold number of years, but the new posting wouldn’t be without its challenges or visitors. Magi wanting foresight would come to him for advice, but those who hated his clan would send people with very different motives. Between the ups and downs, he’d continue to do as he always had: train for the future. But this time, his training would take on darker tones as he reached for his own soul.