ELIAS'S POV
The evening air was cooler than I expected.
The estate paths were quiet, lanterns already lit, their glow stretching long across the stone as Cassian and I walked side by side toward the west wing.
My boots echoed faintly with every step.
Too quiet.
A few hours ago the day had been filled with noise. Markets. Laughter. Her voice.
Now it was just reports and war.
I exhaled slowly and unfolded the stack of documents in my hand.
"Go over it again," I said.
Cassian nodded, already prepared. "Supply lines are secured along the southern pass. The third and fifth divisions are mobilizing tonight. We will begin moving before dawn."
I scanned the numbers automatically.
Men.
Food.
Weapons.
Not enough time.
"And the announcement," he continued. "We have to inform the public tomorrow before we leave."
"Yes," I said. "We cannot let rumors spread first. We reassure them. Calm them before panic begins."
"Understood."
The paper rustled as I flipped to the next page.
