Morning light slanted through the tall windows of the King’s study, falling across scattered maps and yellowed scrolls spread over the dark oak desk. Outside, birds called loudly from the palace gardens, their songs carrying clear through air that no longer held the sharp, clinging chill of shadow magic. But inside the room, the weight of unfinished work hung heavy and still.Duncan stood before the large wall map of the Silvermoon Realm, his gaze tracing every winding border, hidden valley, and trade route that might now shelter what remained of the Order of the Eclipse. King Alaric watched him from his carved chair, his expression a mix of quiet pride and lingering worry.“Are you certain no loyalist slipped back into the palace with us?” the King asked softly. “We have checked every guard, every advisor, every mage with access to the archives. But fear that has held sway for a thousand years does not vanish overnight.”Duncan nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving the faint lines ma