As she got closer, she noticed something carved beneath the symbol.
ESTABLISHED — 1954
Noah frowned.
"That's older than the Crown Council."
Marco's voice suddenly came through the communication device.
"Aria…"
She stopped.
"What?"
Marco's voice was tense.
"I've seen that symbol before."
"Where?"
"Your father's old documents."
Aria's eyes widened.
"What does it mean?"
A long silence followed.
Then Marco answered.
"Your family didn't create the Moretti Empire."
Aria stared at the symbol.
"What?"
"The Moretti Empire was built on top of something much older."
Rafael looked at him.
"Something older than the Morettis?"
"Yes."
Marco's voice became quieter.
"The First King."
Aria remembered the words carved into the wall.
THE FIRST KING NEVER DIED.
"Who was he?"
Marco didn't answer immediately.
Finally—
"His name was Elias Vale."
Aria's eyes widened.
"Vale?"
Rafael looked at her.
"Adrian's family?"
Marco nodded.
