"Paranoid," Arin muttered. "Or hiding something."
"There's more," Marcus added carefully.
"The servants spoke of… strange experiments. They say the Architect has scholars and apothecaries under his command. He collects herbs, poisons, and ancient medical texts from across kingdoms."
Carlden pulled a parchment from his satchel and placed it on the table. It was a list, smuggled and written in code, but one name stood out, circled in dark ink.
The Black Compendium.
Arin's expression hardened. "That book was banned centuries ago."
Alaric's eyes narrowed. "Because it contained methods to weaponize disease."
Marcus nodded grimly. "Exactly. And Varennes' new Architect has a copy."
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Then Alaric said quietly, "Send word to Kael and Gideon. Tell them to redirect their focus. The Architect becomes our first priority. Kira and Seraphina will continue the search for my wife's teacer."
Marcus bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."
