Kael watched from the estate's open balcony as yet another group of broad-shouldered men marched past, roaring and arguing about battle stances and honor.
His eye twitched slightly.
"All I've seen are walking biceps since we arrived…" he muttered under his breath, eyes scanning the training grounds. "The condition's deteriorating. They used to hold back their fervor. Now it feels like the God of War's madness is seeping through the walls."
Inside the estate, Ariana finally found time to herself. She stripped off her heavy armor, her joints sighing with relief. Her fingers worked quickly,muscle memory guiding her as she folded the pieces neatly to the side. Then she reached under the frame of armour and pulled out a small chest.
Click.
Inside was a folded dark cloak and a pale, preserved mask,thin as skin, almost lifelike.
Holding up the mask to the light, she tilted her head slightly. "Should I use this… or the skin mask?"
