Down in the lower corridors, the palace was eerily still.
Marcus and Gideon moved in silence, leading another search team through the southern wing. The torches flickered along the walls, throwing shadows that danced like ghosts.
"Nothing," Gideon muttered, kicking aside a broken spear. "We've checked this section twice."
Marcus frowned. "Keep looking. The Architect was wounded, he couldn't have gone far."
"Assuming he's even still here, you know him. He doesn't leave loose ends." Gideon replied.
Marcus paused, glancing down the corridor. "Let's keep searching."
Gideon said quietly, "What about the Emperor?"
Marcus's jaw clenched. "We'll find him. We have to."
Neither of them said what they were really thinking. What if they were too late?
.
.
Above, in the royal chambers, the vault door creaked open.
Katherine stepped out first, cautious, scanning the corridor.
Behind her, Daphne emerged with Nathaniel sleeping in her arms. The consorts and the children also followed.
