"Marcus."
Marcus stepped forward immediately. "General."
"Bring the Architect in."
Marcus nodded once and left. Some minutes later, the doors opened.
Two knights walked in first, followed by Marcus.
Arel was chained between them, but what struck everyone first was how different he looked.
He was thinner, much thinner than the last time.
His face had hollowed slightly, his lips pale and his movements slower.
Yet his eyes were still sharp, fixed on Daphne the moment he stepped in.
Marcus pulled a chair to the center and forced Arel into it, chaining him down.
When he was secured, Arin spoke.
"Everyone leave. Prepare for judgment two days from now."
The order came suddenly, surprising the room. Even Alaric turned slightly.
Marcus bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."
One by one, the knights filed out. Ezekiel hesitated, but Arin didn't change his expression.
He eventually left, shutting the doors behind himself.
