Inside a quiet chamber of the royal palace, three figures sat around a stone table.
Tall arched windows opened to the outside, revealing the breathtaking vista of the Hanging Gardens of Acryon. Terraces of greenery cascaded down the palace walls like verdant waterfalls.
Under the night sky, the ghostly light of the twin moons bathed the Inner City in a pale silver glow. The night was calm. The distant sounds of the city drifted faintly through the open windows.
Adam sat on one side of the table, leaning back as he poured himself a cup of wine. Across from him sat Lucian, appearing relaxed yet attentive, while Old Ani occupied the seat beside the Emperor, her aged eyes observing the raven-haired youth.
"…What?" The side of Adam's lips twitched. He couldn't help but think that the elderly woman was judging him for whatever reason.
Old Ani shook her head. "How is it that you remain clear-headed despite drinking all the time?"
