Aelyra was once again in the war room when the report arrived.
The castle on the far eastern edge remained surrounded by rain, wind, and violent waves crashing against the black cliffs below the walls. Outside, the sea roared as if trying to climb the stones and invade the halls, but at that moment, not even the sound of the storm seemed enough to fill the tense silence inside the room. Captains, advisers, and agents stood scattered around the large circular table, avoiding looking directly at the Monarch of Stormy Tides while they waited for her next word.
