Night had settled over the Citadel. Dark clouds drifted across the sky, swallowing the stars one

after another, while the palace stood wrapped in its darkness.

Inside His Majesty's study, only the warm glow of oil lamps illuminated the room.

Kallias stood before a large map spread across his desk, one hand resting against its edge as

his eyes studied the surrounding kingdoms.

A knock sounded on the door.

"Enter."

The door opened and Rad stepped inside before bowing.

"You sent for me, Your Majesty?"

Kallias nodded without looking away from the map.

"I've been thinking."

Rad remained silent, waiting.

"The attack on Adriana...The theft of the Pase leaves...They happened...