Chapter 44: The Roots of Power
Adrian’s POV
As I moved through the vineyard, with rows of vines extending in all directions before me, the aroma of freshly tilled soil permeated the air. The night before, a storm had rushed through, leaving pandemonium in its wake. Some vines were lying broken, their tendrils breaking like delicate threads. Although the damage was not irreversible, it was sufficient to jeopardize the season's production.
Marco, my vineyard manager, hurried up to me and said, "Adrian." His clipboard was clenched in his hands, and his face was marked with concern. "It's worse than we anticipated." The western portion's irrigation system isn't working properly. The roots may deteriorate if we don't make the necessary repairs in the next few days.
I massaged my temples, fe
