~Darius’s POV~
Smoke continues to curl through the air,
I recognize it immediately. That smell… it's familiar.
The figure exhales slowly, then turns the chair toward me.
I stand there for a moment, staring at him, not knowing what to say.
It hits me all at once—shock, disbelief… then relief. I push the feeling down quickly. He looks fine, like he never left me. I hate that, but I'm glad he’s okay.
I let out a breath. “You’ve gotten too comfortable, uncle.”
“And you’ve gotten predictable,” he replies. “Still starting with a compliment instead of a greeting.”
I stare at him, trying to get a grip on my expression.
“That wasn't a compliment … and why are you in my chair?” I ask, spreading my hands in the air.
He glances around as if it doesn’t matter. “Funny… I remember it being min
