[Cassius's POV—Years Ago, Southern Front, The Day It All Began]
[When Irethene attacked Elorian's southern border]
It all began the day I left for the southern front—the day I turned my back on Lavinia. The day I unknowingly walked into the hands of gods… and monsters.
Towards the War.
I stood before the command tent, the early morning sun breaking over the war-scarred hills. The banners above our camp barely stirred. Even the wind, it seemed, held its breath.
"Everything is ready?" I asked, eyes narrowed on the path beyond.
Ravick straightened at my side, his voice clipped and steady. "Yes, Your Majesty. Our infiltration agents have entered Irethene's borders. By nightfall, we'll know what's shifting behind their walls."
Regis, leaning at the wall with that same arrogant smirk he wore even in the face of death, added, "Our spies say something's off. Too quiet. Something's brewing in Irethene… and it isn't just steel and soldiers."
I nodded, voice low. "What of their army?"
