[ThorenVald Estate—Morning—Leif's Office—Leif's POV]
The cloak was still draped dramatically over my shoulders, the cape of a conqueror about to claim the capital, when my eyes landed on it.
The envelope. The other one. The one I had completely—blissfully—forgotten.
Oh, perfect. Because what's a grand, glorious plan without a little chaos lurking in the wings?
I picked it up delicately, as though it were a venomous snake disguised as stationery. The paper was thick, smooth, and suspiciously pristine—like it knew it was about to ruin my morning. No name. No seal. Just… ominous anticipation.
I held it in the air. Dramatic pause. Perfectly theatrical. A deep breath. And then…
I ripped it open.
Inside was a single sheet of paper. Short. Sharp. Terrifying in its absolute sweetness:
