Lucian turned sharply toward the butler, his dark brows furrowing in concern. "Who is it?" he asked, his tone calm but laced with authority.
"I—I'm not sure, my lord," the butler wheezed, leaning on the doorframe to catch his breath. "But the carriage bears no identifiable crest. They are armed and approaching quickly."
Lucian exchanged a glance with Aeliana and Kael, both of whom were immediately alert. "Kael, go to the gates and assess the situation," Lucian ordered. "Aeliana, stay inside and prepare in case things go south."
"No," Aeliana said firmly, stepping forward. "If this is trouble, I want to be by your side."
Lucian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before nodding reluctantly. "Fine, but stay behind me. Kael, move!"
Kael grumbled but quickly downed his tea, grabbing his weapon on the way out. "I'm on it, Dark Lord," he said, his voice tinged with sarcasm as he jogged toward the gates.