ADRIANI steady myself as Kelvin and I stride through the heavy gates of the Haven. The air is colder than when we left, with tension clinging to the walls, and every guard’s eye sharper. Our footsteps echo in the courtyard, and I catch a dozen looks flick at us: suspicion, anger and questions unanswered.Kelvin and I exchange a quick glance, we knew this would come.The war room door looms ahead. Behind it, Father will sit, waiting, judging. We push it open. The room is lit harshly by overhead fixtures, maps pinned to walls, guards arrayed in tight, watchful lines. At the head of the table sits him, the King, rigid, arms folded, face grim.He rises as we enter, expression unreadable. The council members whisper low, but silence falls fast.“Adrian. Kelvin,” Father says, voice low but sharp. “Back so soon.”I bow my head, trying to appear deferential. “Yes, Father.”He gestures to the seats in front of him. “Sit. Explain yourselves.”I slide into the wooden chair, Kelvin beside me.
Last Updated : 2025-10-09 Read more