Late at night, in his brightly lit office, King Alaric flipped through the reports with an energy that had not been seen in weeks. His sharp golden eyes sparkled with every page turned. The papers smelled of fresh ink and carried the words he had been waiting for. Victory.
Beside him, Beta Caden stood tall, but he couldn't hide the grin that stretched across his face. “This is better than we dared to hope,” he remarked, his voice brimming with relief. “The rogues are scattered, and Stonevale has fallen into our hands. It is clear that the prince and Commander Ravena have done what many thought impossible.”
The king struck the table with his palm, the sound echoing across the chamber. “At last! A clean victory in the north. And not just a victory, but proof of loyalty and skill. They will
