Asher’s POV
“We’ve been through this over and over again,” I snapped, my voice echoing off the stone walls. “The priestesses speak in riddles no one understands. It’ll be the same this time.”
Ansel rubbed his temples, jaw tight with frustration. “Then what do you suggest we do, Asher?”
I paused. The truth was bitter in my mouth. “We don’t have a choice anymore. We need answers, and they’re the only ones who might give us something real.”
He didn’t argue, but the silence between us was taut, stretched to its limit—until the doors burst open.
A guard stumbled in, sweat slick on his brow, eyes wide with alarm.
“I—I’m sorry to interrupt, Your Highness, but… there’s something you must see.”
Ansel’s patience snapped. “What? Speak plainly, for God’s sake.”
But the guard was already turnin
