Juliana and Hak returned to the castle under the shroud of twilight, their resolve solidified by the revelations in the Whispering Forest. The tension in the air was palpable, as if the kingdom itself held its breath, anticipating the storm to come.
The council chamber was already filled when they arrived, the members seated in their usual positions. The air was thick with unease, whispers cutting through the silence like daggers. As Juliana entered, every eye turned toward her, and the room fell silent.
Jaxon and Delta stood at the edges of the room, their expressions hard. Alisa was absent, her recovery still ongoing after the intense battle that had shaken their ranks. Juliana felt the weight of every gaze, but she held her head high, her confidence unwavering.
Hak took his place bes
