The message from the southern border reached Aetherion just past dawn, carried by a dust-stained courier who looked like he had ridden through the night. Lucian accepted the sealed parchment in silence, though everyone in the room felt the tension sharpen around him like drawn steel.
He broke the seal with steady fingers, but as his eyes skimmed the lines, his jaw clenched. The generals watched from a careful distance, exchanging stiff glances. The King rarely showed anger openly, but the shift in his posture—the tightening of his shoulders, the controlled breath—was enough.
At last, he handed the letter to General Kael.
"Read it," Lucian ordered.
Kael did, voice low but clear:
> "River secured. Rebel commander eliminated. Minimal losses.
> Border stabilizing.
> —Selene."
The room whispered with relief, admiration, and—beneath it—unease.
"It seems she succeeded, Your Majesty," one noble said.
"She always does," Lucian replied quietly.
