Alice led into the room a group of five men, all clad in dark uniform. They moved as one, their steps silent and disciplined. Upon entering, they stopped, all five men bringing a hand to their chest and bowing in unison.
"The Gen," they chorused in respect, then turned their gaze to Daphne, repeating the gesture.
"Madam."
Alaric simply nodded in acknowledgment.
"You know the plan," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.
"The heads go to the Empress. The rest, you burn."
The men didn't ask questions. They moved to the bodies with efficiency, preparing to carry out the command.
The war, a silent one for now, had officially begun.
Alaric turned from the men, his gaze falling on Alice.
"The Empress's top three supporters," he said, his voice flat. "Who are they?"
Alice did not hesitate. "The House of Corvinus, the House of Volkov, and the House of Valerius," she recited, her voice a precise report.
