Draven.
The clink of cutlery and the faint aroma of fresh bread filled the dining hall.
Meredith sat beside me, her cheeks still faintly flushed from the run, though she carried herself with the same poise as ever.
Xamira was already halfway through her boiled egg, humming under her breath as though the world beyond these walls didn't exist.
I set my coffee cup down and looked towards one of the servants standing discreetly by the side. "Turn on the television and tune it to the Duskmor LIVE morning news."
The servant bowed and moved quickly, pressing the remote. The screen flickered to life, its glow casting pale light across the table.
A female news presenter appeared, her voice smooth, professional, and detached.
"Good morning. We begin today with breaking news. Overnight, there was a sudden bombing and destruction in the Eastern Woods. Witnesses reported loud explosions, fires visible even from the city's outskirts."
