When Lucas finally stepped into the grand hall with Lira at his side, the thick tension in the air struck him like a wall. The once composed officials now wore grim expressions as they rushed back and forth between messengers and officers. Even the palace guards stood differently...more alert, their hands twitching by the hilts of their weapons.
His eyes scanned the room until he spotted her, Princess Nyx, standing near a large window that overlooked the distant walls of the city. She wore a silver and navy battle cloth, elegant yet ready for conflict, and her brow was furrowed as she spoke to a captain by her side.
Lucas approached her swiftly, Lira walking close behind him. "Princess Nyx," he called softly, so as not to interrupt but still be heard.
She turned, and for a brief moment, a flicker of relief crossed her face at the sight of him... but it quickly vanished, replaced by a seriousness that made Lucas straighten instinctively.
