Chapter 6: Shadows in the Court

The morning sun had barely begun to rise, casting a pale light over the palace grounds, when Laila received another report from the northern frontlines. Malik had sent a new message—his words more urgent, more desperate. The Iron Claw had mounted another assault, and this time, their forces had pushed deeper into the northern territories. They were no longer testing the kingdom’s defenses; they were preparing for a full-scale invasion.

Laila stood by her balcony, the cool morning air brushing against her face. The distant sounds of the city waking up beneath her were drowned out by the thoughts racing in her mind. She had sent reinforcements, but it wasn’t enough. Malik’s forces were holding the front, but just barely. She couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling of helplessness.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. Captain Leif stepped into the room; his expression grim but composed.

"Regent Laila," he greeted with a bow. "The preparations for increasing security around the palace are underway, as you ordered."

Laila turned to face him, her face set in determination. "Good. We can’t afford to take any more chances. The Iron Claw has made it clear they’re not backing down."

Leif nodded, stepping closer. "There’s more, Your Grace." He hesitated for a moment before continuing, his voice lowering. "We’ve received word that there may be a coordinated attack planned on the capital. The Iron Claw isn’t just targeting the frontlines. They’re coming here."

Laila’s heart clenched at the news. "How do we know this?"

Leif exchanged a look with one of the guards stationed at the door before replying. "We intercepted a message from one of our informants. It was vague, but it seems the Iron Claw has someone inside the city feeding them information. We don’t know who."

Laila stiffened, her mind immediately jumping to the note she had received the previous night. The traitor was here, somewhere within the palace walls.

"We’ll need to act quickly," she said, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions churning within her. "Increase security around the palace and the city gates. I want patrols doubled. And make sure everyone on the council is watched closely. No one is above suspicion."

Leif bowed again. "It will be done."

As he left, Laila’s thoughts turned to the council meeting scheduled for later that day. The Iron Claw’s reach extended further than she had anticipated, and now, the realization that someone she trusted could be feeding them information gnawed at her.

The council chamber was filled with tension as Laila entered, the murmurs of the gathered nobles quieting at her presence. Her gaze swept over the room, taking in the faces of each council member, searching for any sign of deceit. Tariq and Jamal were seated near the far end of the table, their expressions as unreadable as always. Zayd sat closer, his posture rigid but his face calm.

Laila took her seat at the head of the table, folding her hands in her lap as she surveyed the council.

"Thank you all for gathering on short notice," she began, her tone measured but firm. "We have received new intelligence. The Iron Claw is planning an attack on the capital."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the room. Several of the council members exchanged uneasy glances, while others simply stared at Laila with varying degrees of shock.

"How do we know this?" one of the older nobles asked, his voice laced with skepticism.

Laila didn’t miss a beat. "We intercepted a message from one of our informants. The details are unclear, but it’s enough to warrant action. We must assume they’ve infiltrated the city, and that someone within these walls is working with them."

The room fell into a stunned silence. The weight of her accusation hung heavily in the air, and Laila could see the suspicion in the eyes of those seated around her.

"We’ll need to increase security within the palace immediately," Laila continued. "No one leaves or enters without being searched. We cannot afford to be caught off guard."

Tariq leaned forward; his expression skeptical but curious. "And what about the traitor, Laila? If they’re here, in this very room, how do you intend to find them?"

Laila’s gaze locked onto his, her eyes cold and unwavering. "I intend to watch every move made by everyone in this palace. No one is above suspicion."

Tariq smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I’m sure that will make for an interesting few days."

Laila ignored his thinly veiled sarcasm and addressed the rest of the council. "You all have a role to play in defending this kingdom. Do not forget that the Iron Claw will stop at nothing to see us fall. If any of you are found working against the crown, you will face the consequences."

After the meeting, Laila retreated to her private chambers, her mind buzzing with the events of the day. She had made her stance clear, but the reality of finding the traitor weighed heavily on her. There were too many unknowns, too many variables she couldn’t control.

As she stared out over the city from her balcony, a sudden movement caught her eye. From the distant skies, she saw the familiar shapes of her griffins—Azeer, Calista, Venari, Drakon, and Zephyr—soaring toward the palace. Laila felt a surge of relief at the sight of them. Their presence always gave her a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

The griffins landed gracefully in the palace courtyard, their powerful forms casting long shadows over the stone ground. Azeer, the fire griffin, let out a low growl as he sensed Laila’s turmoil. His molten eyes flicked toward her balcony, and their telepathic connection sparked to life.

What troubles you, Laila? Azeer’s voice echoed in her mind, the deep rumble of his tone always steadying.

The Iron Claw’s reach is growing, she replied silently. They have someone inside the palace—someone who’s working against us.

Azeer’s growl deepened, his wings twitching with unease. We will protect you. No harm will come to this kingdom while we stand.

Laila’s heart swelled with gratitude. She knew she could count on her griffins to be by her side when the battle came. Thank you, Azeer. I will need all the strength you and the others can offer.

As the griffins settled in the courtyard, Laila turned away from the balcony, her resolve hardening. The days ahead would be filled with uncertainty, but she was not alone. With her griffins by her side and her instincts sharp, she would root out the traitor, no matter how deep the conspiracy ran.

The Iron Claw had made their move, but Laila would be ready for them.