Lucien looked away Marr, looking at her tall windows at the end of the hall.Marr stepped into Lucien's sight, his arms crossed “ You always hated the cold, yet her you are sitting in a room that could freeze bone”Lucien didn't respond, he just watched Marr“ Remember when we got trapped in the hollow spines during the winter raids? You nearly lost your toes to frostbite, you swore you'd never ride north again” Marr said, chuckling Lucien gave a faint nod “ I remember ” But he didn't. Not reallyThe memories weren't his.Marr stepped closer, watching him “ You are quieter than I remember, more distant”Lucien looked up, meeting his eyes “ A lot changes after a man almost dies ”“ That does it” Marr said softlyHe paused , then added “ But not everything, some things stay the same. Loyalty for one”Lucien let the silence stretchedMarr gave a half smile“ You used to trust me with everything. Lucien, what changed?” Marr askedLucien leaned back, his arms folded“ You tell me” He

Lucien's fingers loosened around the cup as his vision blurred. The fire light swayed strangely, the room spinning around him His chest rose slowly, too slowly Something was wrong Then, a sharp pain hit his head His thoughts grew heavy, then slipped away like water. Suddenly, he wasn't in his room anymore He was on the battlefield, smoke filled the air and screams echoed all around Blood stained the ground A man was lying there, it was Eryndor, barely breathing His swords was just out of reach Lucien felt his heart pounding in his chest “ Elira” The name left his mouth, almost immediately A flash of lightning, the sound of swords and just like that It was gone. Lucien gasped, breathing hard He was back in his chamber, selene was talking but he barely heard her He placed a hand on his head What was that? Lucien blinked, his mind slowly started to clear. Selene's voice cut through the silence “ You are quiet all of a sudden ” she said, stepping closer to Luci

Lucien didn't slow down his step as he left Aric's manorHis mind was heavy, always heavyThe wound on his arm throbbed under his clothThe streets were busy, but they cleared quickly when people saw him coming No one dared to speak and none met his eyes.He walked until the buildings thinned and the scent of herbs filled the air Elira's shop stood at the corner, very quiet and very smallDried plants hung by the window and the wooden sign above creaked in the breezeHe stepped up and stood there in silence A moment passed before the door creaked open, Elira stood in the doorway surprised but calm.“ You again?” she asked, narrowing her eyes, and her voice flat Lucien lifted his arm, pulling back the sleeve slowly to show her the wound beneath.“ It needs care so I need your help with it”She looked at it, then stepped aside “ Come in”Inside, the shop was warm, filled with the scent of herbs , smoke and something sweet .Lucien sat on the small bench without being told .He watch

The fire in Lucien's room was low when Marr walked in, he entered quickly, the heavy door closing behind him with a dull thud.Lucien didn't look at him, he stood by the window, his back toward Marr as he stare out the fog covered rooftops Marr stopped a few steps from Lucien and cleared his throat softly.“ You were right, something is happening ” Marr spoke quietly Lucien turned slowly, his expression unreadable “ Tell me everything ” he said Marr nodded and take a step forward Lucien“ Elias is holding secret meetings, always at night. Only few men, I could not hear much but I saw gold being passed around ”“ Anyone you know?” Lucien asked“ No. But I can remember their faces when I come across any” Marr said, lowering his head Lucien jaw tightened but he nodded “ And Aric?” He asked “ He is harder to follow, he doesn't meet anyone directly ” Marr paused then continued “ But he sends messages through servants which are not his”“ Clever ” Lucien said“ They are planning somet

Serena stood in the dim corridor just outside Elias’s chambers. The torchlight painted long shadows on the stone walls. Her heart pounded, not exactly with fear, but something raw and urgent.Elias’s door opened silently. He stepped out, cloak drawn tight, his eyes flickered to Serena’s waiting form. “You requested to see me?” he asked, his voice low and composed.She nodded and stepped into the light. “Yes. I have information.”She said her voice was steady, but her fingers curled at her sides. She wasn’t just coming with secrets she was coming with desire, something she couldn’t deny even now.Elias studied her. “Go on.” Serena took a breath. “Lord Lucien is shifting his pieces. He sent new orders last night. I overheard a messenger talking about secret guard rotations and a weakness to exploit.” She paused, watching his face. “It means he knows more than we thought.”Elias’s jaw tightened. “Very good.” He turned and walked a few steps, then stopped. “Why bring this to me?” Ser