50

The King stared at Vasilias, his eyes wide with a mix of confusion and amazement. It was an expression that Vasilias had never seen on his father's face before. For a moment, there was a palpable tension in the room as the two of them locked eyes.

"You felt it too, didn't you?" The King spoke softly, his voice barely above a whisper. It was as if he was seeking confirmation, as if he needed to know that what he had experienced in Arcane's presence was not just his imagination running wild.

Vasilias met his father's gaze, his expression serious and solemn. He didn't say a word, but the look in his eyes spoke volumes. There was an unspoken understanding between the two of them, a shared recognition of the powerful energy that had filled the room just moments before.

Carvin, the King's advisor, broke the silence. "As if the curse has been lifted. As if you could finally breathe fresh air for the first time."