The Path to the Treasury
The late afternoon light stretched long and slow across the palace grounds, soft gold flickering on the tiled roofs as the sun edged toward its descent. Shadows bled over the stone paths in broken patches, drifting under Leon's boots as the guard led him forward.
The palace was quiet in that charged way that made every footstep feel heavier. Not fearful—just watchful. A kingdom holding its breath because Leon Moonwalker was moving through its heart.
They crossed the first courtyard.
A wide expanse of polished stone, pale and warm under the light. Soldiers were usually stationed here at every corner, but today only a few lingered—stiff, straight-backed, eyes following Leon with nerves they didn't dare reveal.
The guard guiding him swallowed every few steps, the sound almost loud in the stillness. Sweat clung at his temple even though the air was cool.
They passed the second courtyard.
