"What is the situation with Thornvale?"
"Animals were panicking. Livestock broms from pens. A few unconscious people. No casualties, thank the gods, but…" Rohan looked serious. "That wave was felt, my lord. Deeply. I've never seen anywhere this quiet."
Michael exhaled slowly and rose from his chair.
He moved to the window and glanced out at the sleeping town below. Even with his enhanced vision, there were barely any lanterns lit. The streets were silent. No dogs barking. No night guards chatting.
Dead quiet.
He had seen it too—on his way in.
"Keep it that way," Michael said finally. "Tell the people it was a mana anomaly from deep within the Everlong Forest. No threat to the town. Just wild magic surging again. That happens sometimes near high-mana zones."
"You think they'll buy that?" Rohan asked.
"They don't need to," Michael said. "They just need to believe I've got it under control."
Rohan's mouth twitched.
