The guards had been standing in perfect formation, their spears glinting faintly beneath the morning sun, ready to march the moment Lucas gave the command. He had even drawn in breath to give the order when something tugged at him. It was not hesitation, nor was it doubt, but a gnawing pull deep in his gut, as though a voice whispered to him that he was forgetting something crucial. His brows furrowed, and his hand lowered slowly.
Nyx noticed at once and tilted her head. "What is it, Xavier?"
Lira looked worried too, stepping closer. "Master? Is something wrong?"
Lucas did not answer immediately. His gaze drifted away from them and back to the palace. Finally, he spoke. "There is someone I have overlooked. Someone who may be of greater use to us than he appears. The crippled grandmaster."
Lira's eyes widened. "You mean the one attacked this capital?"
