Time you should know

Sophie Reign didn't ask for permission when she walked. She demanded it.

Head high, strides confident, posture sharp—she was a presence, the kind of person you didn't stop unless you had a damn good reason.

The guards at the front took one look at her and stiffened.

"Miss Reign?" One of them said, straightening his back. "We weren't informed—"

"Because I didn't inform you," Sophie cut in smoothly. "I need access to the lower levels."

The guard hesitated. "Ma'am, those areas are—"

"—Restricted? I'm aware." She tilted her head. "Do you want to explain to my father why I wasn't allowed through?"

That name carried weight.

A heavy, undeniable weight.

Minister of Defense. One of the highest-ranking officials in the Eastern Sector.

The man who personally signed off on military deployments.

The guard stiffened further, looking between her and the soldier beside him.