"We'll interrogate any prisoners we captured," he declared, his voice filled with resolve. "We'll find out who's pulling the strings and put an end to this once and for all."

With their resolve set, Ryker, Aria, and a contingent of guards set out to gather any prisoners who had been captured during the battle. But even as they searched, a sense of unease settled over them, a feeling that their enemies were far more cunning than they had anticipated.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the courtyard, the sound of raised voices echoing through the air. Ryker's heart sank at the sound, his mind racing with possibilities.

"We need to see...