Page 127 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“I am David Chartham, and this is my personal guard, Jason.”

Rain shook his hand firmly.

“This is… impressive,” Rain admitted, glancing at the estate. “I wasn’t expecting anything grand at such short notice.”

David smiled knowingly.

“I spoke with Elder Vaelwyn after our call. He helped me understand your situation more clearly. This property has everything you requested and more. No one will bother you here. You and your guests will be safely tucked away.”

Rain’s muscles tensed at the mention of “guests.” The idea of more people knowing about the princesses made his skin crawl.

David noticed.

“Your secrets are safe with me, Your Highness. The Shadow Guard works closely with the Order of Aurora. In many ways, we are the human extension of the Order.”

Rain raised a brow.

“Human extension of Aurora, hey?”

“We govern ourselves,” David said quietly, conspiratorial.

Rain huffed a tired laugh.

“Interesting. I’d like to hear more someday. But right now, a hot shower and a bed are calling my name. Thank you, David. I’ll find a way to repay you.”

“No repayment needed. This place is yours; call it a gesture of goodwill. Inside, you’ll find instructions on who to contact if you need assistance. When you have time, provide us with a list of trusted visitors. The guard are on high alert; anyone approaching will be intercepted. You have my word.”

Rain nodded, gratitude settling warm in his chest.

“I appreciate that, thank you.”

“Right then,” David said, stepping back. “We won’t waste another second of your time. Don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Rain waited until their car disappeared down the road before opening the truck.

The girls were curled together on the floor, half-asleep, blinking at the sudden flood of daylight.

“Rise and shine, girls!” Rain grinned, excitement bubbling through his exhaustion. “Let’s get you into a proper bed.”

Briar cheered, scrambling over her sisters and leaping out of the truck. Her jaw dropped as she saw the house; eyes wide, mouth open, pure awe etched across her features.

Rain lifted Ember, who clung to him sleepily, and carried her toward the front door. Henry helped Rose and Scarlet down gently.

This moment—seeing their faces light up—made every hardship worth it.

Scarlet stayed calm, but Rain kept his senses locked on her energy. He would not let her burn the house down before they even crossed the threshold. She hadn’t lost control since halfway across the desert; relieving themselves in the middle of nowhere had been a terrifying ordeal for her, but he wasn’t taking chances.

Inside, the kitchen was fully stocked. Rain peeled a banana and handed it to Ember, who snatched it with a delighted squeal, taking a huge bite.

Briar vanished upstairs, her footsteps thundering through the house as she opened every door and shouted her discoveries.

Rose and Scarlet lingered behind, staring at the food laid out across the counters—pastries, fruit, bread, cheeses—like it was a forbidden treasure.

“Help yourselves,” Rain encouraged. “Make yourselves at home. Eat as much as you want. Get clean. Pick a bedroom and get some much-needed rest.”

He exhaled.

“I’ll need to leave you here in Henry’s capable hands for a few hours. I hope to bring my sister back with me. Snow will be able to help with bathing and clothing.”