Edward did not look away from her as he spoke. The dagger was still in Thaleia's hand, the metal cool against her palm, her fingers wrapped tightly around the hilt as if it anchored her to the present moment. The room felt smaller now, quieter, as though even the walls were listening.
"In five days," Edward said evenly, "the Atlantis Campaign will begin."
Thaleia swallowed, but she kept her posture straight. "My Lord… I am aware of the announcement from the White Tower. The tokens were distributed months ago. Every major kingdom is mobilizing their combatants. But why are you telling me this in such a manner?"
Edward walked slowly back toward his desk but did not sit. Instead, he rested one hand against the polished wood and looked at the window behind her, as if he could already see something far beyond the Vistro territory.
