By the time Lucas, the King, and Commander Alexander reached the main camp, the atmosphere among the Valerion soldiers had grown even heavier.
Word had spread quickly.
No official announcement had been made, yet soldiers had eyes. They had seen the crown in Celestial Ken's hand. They had seen the King's reaction from afar. They had watched their ruler strike at Ken with a fury none of them had ever witnessed before.
Men spoke quietly among themselves as the three leaders passed through the camp.
Some stepped aside respectfully.
Others simply stared.
Lucas could feel the weight of their gazes as he walked beside the King.
They were looking for answers.
But none of them had any to give.
The King walked ahead of them without speaking, his face dark and unreadable. The earlier rage had not faded. It had simply settled deeper inside him, hardening into something colder.
When they reached the large command tent, the guards immediately pulled the entrance open.
