The fragile moment between Lyanna and Azrael is broken by Victor's urgent arrival. He doesn't knock or wait for permission, he just barges through the door.
"Your Majesty." Victor was breathless. "The Leader has attacked again."
Azrael was on his feet instantly, regaining his composure as the king immediately
"Where? How many casualties?"
"Three villages simultaneously." Victor reported. "Including the one where we relocated the survivors from the first attack. The new territory we created to protect them is gone. Everyone is dead."
Lyanna felt the room tilt. Emma, Martha, and all the refugees she'd worked so hard to protect, the children she'd comforted, the survivors she'd promised safety were all dead.
"They left another message. It's… personal this time." He handed a parchment to Azrael.
Azrael read it, his expression darkening with each word. Then he handed it to Lyanna without saying a word.
To the King's Human Pet:
