*Rhys*
The air was heavy with excitement as I scanned the faces of those gathered with us in the grand hall. My father, Former King Xander Crimson, stood stoic and silent, his presence commanding attention even without uttering a word. Beside him, Saoirse's eyes were alight with a fire that burned brighter than any flame.
"Something's wrong, very wrong," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. The murmurings around us ceased as all eyes turned toward me. "The signs have been clear—erratic storms and beasts straying from their domains."
Saoirse nodded, her hand finding mine beneath the table, offering strength. "Rhys is right. We've all felt the tug at the edges of our senses and the unease that has settled on the lands and the people."
