Lucas did not hesitate even for a heartbeat once the realization settled in his chest, his gaze snapping toward the king with an urgency that cut through the noise of the army and the echoes of the abyss.
"Your Majesty," Lucas said quickly, his voice low but edged with unmistakable alarm as he stepped close enough that only the king, Captain Varran, and Commander Alexander could hear him clearly. "Henrietta and the ice belle are in grave danger. A shadow dragon far stronger than before has engaged them, and Henrietta is already being overwhelmed."
The king stiffened at once, his grip tightening on the reins of his horse as his expression darkened. "The dragon," he repeated, disbelief and anger mingling in his tone. "Inside the abyss, now of all times."
Lucas nodded, his jaw clenched as another pulse of distress rippled through the bond, sharp enough to make his breath hitch. "If I do not intervene immediately, we will lose them. I cannot allow that to happen."
