The birth of Hector's son had brought a brief moment of warmth into a city that had forgotten how to celebrate.
But the war had not stopped.
Beyond Troy's walls, the Greek army remained in position. Their camps stretched across the plain, their fires burning through the night. Every passing hour brought the city closer to another assault, and every decision made within its walls carried the weight of lives that might not survive the next battle.
Inside the war room, Hector stood beside the table, listening as the others discussed the state of the defenses.
Lysander had spent much of the morning reviewing reports from the gates and the remaining civilian districts. Paris had joined them after completing another part of his investigation. The uncertainty surrounding the names he was pursuing still weighed on him, but he had promised to bring them answers soon.
For now, Troy had other concerns.
Hector placed a hand on the edge of the table.
