*Rhys*
The first fingers of light caressed the land as I stood on the balcony looking eastward. It was a rare moment of peace I took just for myself. I closed my eyes and took a sip of my coffee, enjoying the silence for a few moments.
The horizon blushed with the soft glow of dawn, but the tranquility of the morning was shattered by the clatter of armored boots rushing toward me.
"Your Majesty!" a breathless scout called out from below, his voice slicing through the crisp air.
I leaned over the stone railing, my heart already sinking.
"Report," I commanded, steeling myself against the news that would undoubtedly change our fates.
"They're here. Pyroth's forces," he gasped, his chest heaving. "They've gathered at our borders, more numerous than the stars in the night sky."
My blood ran cold. This was not just a raid. It was an invasion. Saoirse had to hear of this at once.
