[Silthara Palace — Sarytharn City — Before Dawn]
The night had not yet ended, yet the capital of Zahryssar no longer slept. Alarm bells echoed from distant towers. Knights rushed through marble streets. Search parties spread throughout the city and above everything...the moon watched silently.
Cold, ancient, and unmoved.
Meanwhile...Varesh ran, his cloak billowed behind him, boots struck stone pathways, and his hand never left the hilt of his sword. The captain moved quickly through the High Mage residency.
Every second mattered; every moment lost brought sunrise closer, and sunrise...could mean war. The residence of High Mage Arkhazunn came into view. Unlike the Imperial Palace, the estate remained eerily quiet.
No shouting, no running soldiers, only lanterns and trees illuminated by moonlight. Varesh didn't even slow down; he pushed through the gates.
Startling several servants. One servant nearly dropped the tray in his hands.
