The air in the royal hall was thick with tension. Emeney sat stiffly on the throne, her fingers curling tightly around the carved edges of the armrests. Beside her, standing silently like a shadow, was Anya, her best friend and most trusted companion. Both of them had been listening intently as Advisor Gray delivered grim news from the front line.
"The platoon of combat mages dispatched to secure Division One's border…" Advisor Gray began, his voice low and steady, though weighed with concern, "Their numbers are…rapidly decreasing"
Emeney's eyes narrowed. Her jaw clenched. Anya's posture stiffened beside her. A cold hush fell over the throne room. Neither of the girls said a word at first, their eyes locked forward as they absorbed what they had just heard. A whole platoon. Combat mages. Falling fast. The silence was grim until, suddenly, as if on cue, the two girls snapped their heads toward Advisor Gray at the exact same time.
"What about Rayne?" They both blurted out in unison.
