The council chamber was tense, the heavy stone walls echoing with murmurs of fear and uncertainty. May, Zayn, Xander, Ze, and the King of the Realm sat at the long obsidian table, flanked by his advisors.
“The seal has been broken,” the King began, his voice steady but heavy with concern. “Kaelthorn’s influence is spreading. Monsters have already begun to move beyond the borders we once considered safe.”
May’s eyes narrowed. “Do we have reports?”
“Yes,” one of the scouts spoke up. “Three villages nearest the Darkwood Forest have been attacked in the past day. Casualties are high, and survivors are fleeing.”
The King’s hand rested on the table. “We must act quickly. I propose we bring the villagers to the capital until the threat is neutralized.”
A murmur ran through the advisors. The
