First message
The heavy oak table stretches before me, maps and battle plans spread like a kingdom waiting to be conquered. My fingers tap a steady rhythm against the wood as I glance toward the door, waiting for the others to arrive. The weight of responsibility presses down harder than any armor. Footsteps echo in the corridor—Elouan enters first, followed by a few more shadows. I nod sharply.
“Finally,” I say, voice calm but commanding. “The time to decide is upon us. Let us not waste it with hesitation.”
Their eyes meet mine, a mixture of respect, doubt, and the promise of war. This family will either bend the world to our will—or break beneath it.