Chapter 7 – Whispers in the Halls
The council chamber was quieter than usual.
Gone was the clamor of overlapping voices and the polite hum of diplomatic debates. Instead, the air was heavy with an unspoken tension — the kind that made even the crackling of the hearth sound like a scream.
Lord Maelor leaned over the polished obsidian table, his fingers laced together. "We cannot ignore what happened in the western valley. The Dark Knights are the finest edge of Malvora's sword, and they were scattered like autumn leaves."
Minister Veyra tapped her jeweled fingers against the table. "If word spreads that the invincible can be defeated, our enemies will smell weakness. Trade partners will hesitate. Rivals will grow bolder."
General Rurik's voice rumbled from the corner. "Then we end this phantom before the rumor takes root. No delays. No hesitation."
High Inquisitor Draeven did not speak, but his gaze slid to the torches — as if listening to something only he could hear.
It was into this charged silence that Prince Cassius entered.
Tall and broad-shouldered, with hair the same dark hue as his father's, Cassius carried himself with a presence that was both regal and quietly approachable. But his easy stride slowed as he caught the last fragments of conversation — phantom… scattered… threat…
"What situation?" Cassius asked, his voice calm but edged with curiosity.
The council members glanced at one another. Finally, Maelor spoke. "Your Highness… a force of unknown origin struck in the western valleys. A woman — or something like one — annihilated an entire squadron of Dark Knights. One survivor was sent back with a… message for the king."
Cassius frowned. "A single person… against the Dark Knights? That's impossible."
"It happened," Rurik said bluntly. "We don't know how. We only know it must not happen again."
Cassius's frown deepened, the weight of the words gnawing at him. Without another word, he turned and left the chamber.
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The Royal Study
King Callum's study was a sanctuary of power. The walls were lined with shelves groaning under the weight of ancient tomes, war maps, and artifacts stolen from conquered lands. The king stood at the far side, studying a large map spread across his desk, small carved pieces marking military outposts.
Cassius entered quietly. "Father."
Callum glanced up, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Cassius. I assume you've heard something of the western valley incident?"
"Enough to know that something extraordinary happened," Cassius replied. "I wanted to hear it from you."
The king's smile widened slightly — though there was no warmth in it. "A thing of unknown origin believes it can challenge Malvora. She believes she can threaten me." He chuckled, low and cold. "Of course, we will eliminate the threat. I will not allow a mere… anomaly… to ruin this great kingdom I have built."
His eyes darkened as he said it, the pale irises catching the firelight like shards of ice.
Cassius's brow furrowed. "Father… shouldn't we investigate first? Find out who — or what — she really is? This whole thing doesn't make sense. What if there's more to her intentions than destruction?"
Callum's expression hardened. "Do not question me, Cassius. It is my kingdom, and I will make sure nothing happens to it."
Cassius exhaled slowly. "…Yes, Father."
"Now go," Callum said, already turning back to his maps.
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The Prince's Resolve
Cassius exited the study, his boots echoing down the long marble hallway. His thoughts churned. There is more to this… much more. And if Father refuses to look deeper, then I will.
He paused by an arched window, the light of the setting sun washing over his face.
"I must find Faren," Cassius whispered to himself — the name of a trusted ally, one who could move unseen through the cracks of Malvora's streets and shadows.
The prince's jaw tightened. Whatever this mysterious being was, whatever truth lay beneath the smoke and blood… he intended to uncover it.
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