[Alaric's POV — Morvael Castle — Early Morning — Same Day — Before the Monster took Over him]
The morning had barely broken over Skeldryn.
Cold light filtered through the tall windows of the study, pale and lifeless, casting long shadows across the floor. The fire had burned low during the night, leaving only embers glowing faintly beneath ash.
I stood by the desk, one hand resting against the parchment spread before me, eyes scanning lines I had already read twice.
Numbers, reports, and borders.
Then a knock came, sharp and measured.
"My lord…" Kaelric stepped inside, a sealed letter held carefully in his hand. His posture was rigid, but something in his expression was off—too tight, too controlled.
"We have received an order from the Imperial Palace."
I didn't look at him immediately. My gaze remained on the parchment in front of me as I said calmly,
"Open it." A pause. "Read it aloud."
"Yes, my lord." The seal broke with a quiet crack.
