The heavy doors of the Imperial courtroom burst open, the sound echoing through the vast marble hall.
A eunuch stumbled in, panting, his robe damp with sweat.
He fell to his knees before Arin who was seated in the middle of two royal advisors and a handful of ministers.
"Your Imperial Majesty!" he gasped. "Urgent news from the battlefield!"
The room froze.
Every head turned toward him. Arin rose immediately.
"Speak," he ordered. "What news?"
"The Skyblade Knights… they've returned, half of them. Commanders Marcus and Gideon have arrived at the capital's outer gates. They bring reports from the front."
A ripple of murmurs swept through the room. The Prime Minister looked stunned. "Half the army? Why only half?"
Arin's eyes narrowed. "Because Alaric doesn't make careless choices," he said coldly. "If he sent only half back, then he's preparing for what's next."
"Shall I summon them, Your Majesty?" the eunuch asked breathlessly.
