Whispers of War

Beyond the palace walls, the world was shifting.

A rider arrived in the dead of night, his cloak heavy with dust and his expression grim. He did not stop to rest, did not spare a moment for breath—only pushed forward, straight to the war council's chamber.

Lord Aldric was already waiting.

The message was brief, but it changed everything.

"The western outpost has fallen."

A hush fell over the room. Then, a single question broke the silence.

"Was it the rebels?"

The messenger hesitated. "No. It was something else. Something worse."

The candlelight flickered. A chill ran through the chamber.

And somewhere in the palace, Kaelith and Seraphine lay tangled in warmth—unaware that their world was about to shatter.

To be continued…

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