The horses galloped furiously toward the burning palace. Thick smoke billowed into the sky, and the acrid scent of fire filled the air. As they reached the entrance, Medas wasted no time. He leaped from his horse and sprinted toward the chaos.
"Your Majesty, wait—!" a guard called, but Medas was already gone.
Water magic users were stationed near the blaze, streams of glistening water swirling through the air to contain the flames. Morvane dismounted and stood at the palace entrance, breathing heavily as tension coiled in his chest.
His thoughts burned hotter than the fire itself. If I find out that you're behind this, Esmael... I swear I'll kill you.
Suddenly, a chilling voice emerged from behind him.
"Oh, my dear friend," the voice drawled. "How is it living without a loved one?"
Morvane's eyes widened. He spun around instantly, fists clenched.