Just as Lady Thora collapsed, the door slammed open at the same time, nearly ripping off its hinges. Two warriors charged in, their weapons drawn, their eyes scanning the room like they were expecting a bloodbath.
Behind them, two men stepped in—both draped in deep crimson robes, their presence suffocating. The air shifted, thick with unspoken authority.
The older of the two, Elder Aldric, the longest-serving member of the court, fixed his piercing gaze on me with his face carved with years of experience, his silver hair neatly combed back, and his posture rigid with self-importance.
Beside him stood Elder Renard, his expression twisted in something close to disgust.
At that, their presence sent a chill down my spine. “What have you done?”
The words struck like a lash across my back a
