The war room was quiet.
Nathan stood at the table, the map spread before him, his fingers hovering over the parchment. The prince stood beside him, arms crossed, his pale blue eyes fixed on the map. The other advisors had been dismissed—this was too sensitive for a crowd.
"You're sure it's her?" the prince asked.
Nathan activated [Hunter's Insight]. The world sharpened, mana trails becoming visible. He traced the faint threads that clung to the map—the residual energy of everyone who had touched it.
"I'm sure," he said. "The signature is distinct. It's hers."
The prince's jaw tightened. "Can you trace it?"
"Not here. The trail's too faint. But if I get to the place where she last handled it...somewhere with stronger residual mana, I might be able to follow it."
"Then we go." The prince turned toward the door. "I'll assemble a small team. We leave at dawn."
Nathan caught his arm. "Wait."
The prince stopped.
