Morning sunlight filtered through the narrow windows of Ravenswatch, casting long golden beams across the cold stone floor. Outside, the mountain winds howled relentlessly against the ancient tower, but within the King’s chamber, an uneasy silence reigned.
King Aldren stood before the fire, his hands clasped behind his back.
Though his silver hair had long since replaced the golden locks of his youth and the years had carved deep lines into his face, there remained an unmistakable authority about him. Every movement carried the quiet confidence of a man who had once commanded armies with a single word.
Across from him stood his sons.
Alistair remained perfectly straight despite the exhaustion weighing on his body. The poison had receded, but it had not disappeared. Beneath the layers o
