Morning came quietly over the Citadel.

The events of the previous night had left an invisible weight hanging over the palace.

Even though the King's terrifying howls had long faded into silence, no one seemed eager to

speak of them.

Inside the King's Court, the royal slaves gathered as they did every morning before beginning

their duties.

Usually, the room would be filled with quiet chatter and laughter as they bathed, sorted linens,

and prepared for another day of serving the royal household.

Today, the room was unusually silent.

Several royal slaves stole uneasy glances toward the doorway every few moments as though

expecting someone to walk through it.

Lisa....