The atmosphere within the palace was charged with tension. The news of the attack had spread quickly, igniting a fire of urgency among the guards and advisors alike. The usual calm of the hallways was replaced with hurried footsteps and hushed whispers, everyone acutely aware of the precarious situation outside their walls.
Zach stood at the head of the war room, his brow furrowed as he reviewed the reports from the battle. Maps were spread across the table, marked with notations and strategic points, and several advisors surrounded him, their voices overlapping as they discussed possible contingencies.
“Your Majesty,” Captain Raine said, breaking through the chatter, his expression grim. “We need to fortify the borders immediately. They may come back in greater numbers, and we can’t ris
