Arkanos considered her for a moment, his fingers gently stroking Vael's silver hair as the boy began to doze against him. "Then we adapt," he said. "Ivan's scouts are mapping their hidden docks, and Sylvana's magic will track their movements. No airship will fly unopposed… Although I strongly doubt they currently possess the means to outfly an archangel in the air, even if he's a fallen."
Selene, who had been quietly demolishing her pancakes, looked up, her golden eyes twinkling with amusement. "My son, you speak of war as if it's a game of chess," she said, licking a drop of honey from her finger. "But I trust you'll keep this empire—and my darling grandson—safe."
She leaned forward, cooing at Vael, who stirred slightly in Arkanos's arms. "Isn't that right, little one? Your father will make the world kneel for you."
Little Vael nodded.
