The palace of Drakonia was filled with tension, thick enough to choke the air itself.
Guards stood frozen along the walls, afraid to move, afraid even to breathe as the young prince stood before his father.
"Your Highness," Ashen began, his voice steady but low. "I understand this was against the rules but I went to the Abyss because I needed to save my wife."
"Your wife?" King Aden's voice thundered through the hall. His palm slammed against the armrest of his chair, echoing like a crack of lightning.
"Do you trust her that much? The same woman who's suddenly obsessed with becoming the Coven Leader? Have you completely lost your mind, Ashen?"
Ashen clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "Are you saying the same woman who risked everything for me… the one you once praised for her loyalty, is now unworthy of trust? That's what you are saying, Your highness?"
