The aftermath of the festival attack left the kingdom shaken. Citizens whispered of the dark portal that had almost consumed their city, and trust in the council was at an all-time low. Juliana stood on the castle's northern balcony, gazing at the horizon, her thoughts as turbulent as the storm clouds brewing in the distance.
Hak entered quietly, his footsteps barely audible on the stone floor. "The council meeting is ready," he said, his voice soft but firm.
Juliana turned to him, her expression a mixture of determination and exhaustion. "Are they ready to cooperate this time, or should I expect more excuses?"
Hak's lips curved into a small, wry smile. "They know better than to test you now. Not after what you did at the festival."
Juliana nodded, though the weight of the recent battl
