15. Wolves

The agonized cries of his soldiers snapped Adro out of his reverie. He swiftly turned to approach his men, who were struggling to save their comrades. Two survivors were trapped with their legs squeezed down under the rock, while another lay dead, crushed by it.

Adro clenched his fists in frustration. This was meant to be his day of joy, filled with laughter and smiles from the palace's residents and his people. The shedding of blood and the loss of friends were heartbreaking. It shouldn’t have happened today.

"Your Highness, could this be the work of a witch?" Asked one of the men who was Adro’s right-hand man in leading this group.

Adro nodded. "Whoever it was, one will pay dearly for this. I've lost my warriors and Azer," he muttered, staring at the ground. Then he lifted his gaze to look at his man. "You lead the team in evacuating the wounded and the fallen. I'll investigate further."

"But, Your Highness-"

"Leo," Adro said, lowering his voice. "I’ll be fine."

Then Adro gazed at t