Meanwhile, in the Crestvale Duchy.
Elric's voice thundered through the dining hall, shattering the morning calm.
"This is not the time for this, sir! There's an emergency—Young Master Alden, along with all of his friends, has been kidnapped!"
Serena froze mid-step. It felt as though the blood had drained from her body. Her hands trembled, and she shoved her chair back so violently it toppled to the floor with a sharp clatter. Her breath quickened, panic surging.
"W–what… what are you saying? Isn't he… isn't he at the academy?"
Reynard's eyes darkened to the color of a storm. His aura exploded outward like a tidal wave, engulfing the entire Crestvale estate.
The air itself seemed to solidify, pressing against every living thing. Servants in the hall staggered, clutching their chests as the crushing pressure stole the air from their lungs.
