A heart's second awakening

The white crescent ascended the afternoon sky prematurely, almost as if it were eager to bring an end to a day that witnessed an unexpected attack on the heart of Lanark, the von Conradie estate.

While the Emorian Monarch engaged in an urgent meeting with the ambassadors representing Kolhis, the Western Kingdom, and the Eastern Kingdom, a tense conversation took place within the confines of the Archduchess's study—a space accessible only to her son or the guests she personally summoned.

Noctavian stood before his mother, who appeared fatigued, drained, and adjusting to the change of energy in her core. She remained seated behind her bureau, still dressed in the riding attire she had on when the battle had commenced. For once, her hair was unbound, and her bloodshot eyes betrayed an unreasonable level of concern for her son.