Derek
The council chamber emptied slowly, the weight of my words still lingering in the air like a heavy storm cloud. My mind raced as I paced the room, Giovanni standing beside me, his presence a silent pillar of support.
King Worden had betrayed us. Not only had he conspired with rogues, but he had also directly ordered the execution of my nephew.
A man I once called an ally.
A man who knew the inner workings of Mallory’s defenses.
I clenched my fists, barely restraining the anger simmering beneath my skin.
“Giovanni,” I said, my voice low but filled with authority. “We cannot delay. If Worden has already made his move, we must act before he does.”
Giovanni nodded. “Agreed. The rogues will be emboldened by his support. If we wait too long, they’ll strike when we least expect it.”
