Kallias stood up slowly and walked out of the council hall, heading towards the waiting room

where Adriana was.

The minister's words were still on his mind, and they replayed all over again as he walked past

maids and servants who bowed respectfully to their King.

Hearing about Minister Aldren's son's death because of the ailment unleashed fresh memories

of how the ailment took away whom he loved the most in the realm.

Rhea.

He stood silently at the door of the waiting room and sighed.

Then he heard her voice.

Clear and soft.

"How many years have you lived for?" It floated out of the door.

"Almost a century."...