The throne room was drowned in silence. The latest news had reached the king, and every soul inside held their breath.
Mamir had gone to Elandur—alone. There, he would try to convince the elves to grant him the light-forged weapons, the only arms capable of piercing the shadows.
King Visernes lowered his head. His heart swelled with pride—his son had shown the courage worthy of Harland's hope. But soon after, worry weighed down on him. That path was not one to be walked alone.
— "No," his voice thundered. "Mamir shall not be left without aid. Someone must go after him."
The counselors whispered anxiously. Who could it be? The army was still recovering after the Battle of Dronya. In the south, villages were being devoured by shadow-beasts, driving refugees to the capital. The kingdom was weakened, resources nearly drained.
Then, Visernes rose to his feet. His words silenced the room.
— "Summon my strongest lord. He shall ride to Elandur and stand beside Mamir."
The chamber froze.
Visrok stepped forward, eyes wide with disbelief.
— "Father… are you truly sending him?"
Visernes' gaze was unyielding, iron-cold.
— "Yes. Summon him. He is the only one fit to stand by Mamir."
The words struck like stone. A murmur spread across the room. All knew who he meant. He was young, but his strength was undeniable—nearly Kren's equal, though not yet his match.
Umay's face darkened. The fury she had tried to conceal now burned openly in her eyes. She had failed to bend the king's will, failed to make her wealth indispensable.
Visernes turned toward her.
— "You may leave now, Umay. We will not need your gold."
The words cut like a blade.
Umay's beauty twisted with rage, her lips trembling though no sound left them. She spun on her heels, silks swirling like storm winds, and stormed toward the door. Each step struck the stone as if she carved her fury into it.
All who watched knew: Umay Tark, the Queen of Intrigue, would never forget this humiliation.
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✨ Author's Note:
Visernes has chosen to send his strongest lord to aid Mamir. But Umay Tark's fury may soon prove as dangerous as the shadows themselves… What kind of schemes will she weave now?
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