The man entered the office quietly, his steps measured as he approached Norwan’s desk. He could see the distant look in Norwan’s eyes, the way his gaze seemed lost in the fading light of the sunset. He cleared his throat, snapping Norwan back to reality.

“Sir,” the man said, his tone low, “there’s something urgent. The situation with the Clan... it’s escalating faster than we anticipated.”

Norwan set his wine down slowly, the weight of the words sinking in. The glass rim made a soft clink against the surface of the desk as his hand retreated. His thoughts shifted instantly—back to the pressing matters of the Clan, the danger that...