[Lavinia's POV—The Next Day—Council Chamber]
The morning light slanted through the stained glass, spilling crimson and gold across the council table—colors that looked too much like war. The air was heavy with ink, steel, and the faint bitterness of sleepless fear.
General Arwin stood before the map spread across the marble surface, his calloused hands resting on the parchment's edge. His voice rumbled low and grave, echoing against the vaulted ceiling.
"—The King of Meren has eleven children," he began. "And their kingdom follows only one rule, Your Highness."
I leaned forward slightly. "What rule?"
Arwin's eyes flicked up, hard and tired. "Only one can survive among them."
The room fell silent.
Even the candle flames seemed to hesitate.
