The heavy doors of the city hall creaked open, admitting Liam and his companions into the war room.
Inside, the atmosphere was thick with the scent of parchment and stale sweat.
Emilia and Sylvia were already there, hunched over a glowing crystal map that projected the city's perimeter.
Liam strode forward, his boots clicking sharply against the stone floor.
He didn't waste time with pleasantries.
"How much time before the succubus army reaches the gates?"
Sylvia looked up, her eyes weary but sharp, reflecting the frantic light of the crystal.
"You arrived at the perfect moment. The vanguard will be upon us in three hours."
Liam exchanged a quick, firm nod with the girls.
They had snatched what little rest they could during the journey, and the adrenaline was already beginning to hum beneath his skin.
"We're ready."
Sylvia traced a finger across the glowing map, highlighting a winding path through the city's rear districts.
