Chapter 16 - The Gathering Storm at Court
Morning brought no warmth to Aurelion; instead, a heavy, frost-tipped wind swept through the gates, carrying courier birds with grim messages from the eastern coast. Captain Vane’s flagship had returned battered and bruised, bringing tales of the shadowy figures and the chilling voice from the deep.
King Aldric paced the throne room, his heavy boots clicking against the marble floor. "We must mobilize the entire royal army to the coast. We cannot wait for them to breach our walls again."
"If we move our armies away from the capital, we leave the inland provinces vulnerable to guerrilla strikes," Lord Alistair argued, stepping forward with a furrowed brow. "It's a classic diversion tactic."
Elara shook her head, standing before the throne with the Astraea perched upon her shoulder. "My father is right that we must act, but wrong in how we fight. We cannot defeat an abyssal threat with brute military force alone. This requires the heart of the kingdom to unite."
May you like
Suddenly, the great oak doors of the cathedral-hall creaked open. All heads turned as a solitary figure stepped into the threshold. She wore no silk, no crown—only rough traveler's garb, her dark hair dusted with road salt and dust.
It was Selene.
