Arkanos' aura gradually settled.
The next moment, he swung himself onto his horse, his crimson cape billowing behind him.
His eyes burned with cold resolve.
Seraphine stepped forward. "Shall we mobilize, my lord? Where are we headed?"
Arkanos' gaze hardened. "No."
"I will handle this alone."
Ivan furrowed his brows. "My lord, pray tell—why have you decided this?"
Abaddon, still war-hungry, grinned. "Yes, I too am intrigued. If this defiant mortal has dared to take your beloved, would it not be best to remind him of the empire's might?"
"Silence," Arkanos commanded.
"Herald has challenged me. He has dared to demand I come alone, threatening the life of my concubine should I not comply."
Abaddon scoffed. "With my speed, I could be in and out with her before the fool even takes a breath."
Ivan nodded. "Indeed. My liege should know that my presence cannot be detected, no matter what they—"
"Enough."