The sound of iron wheels grinding against stone echoed through the palace courtyard as the carriages rolled in one after another. Torches lined the path, their flames flickering violently as though reacting to the presence they escorted. The rogues were transported calmly—too calmly. Chains clinked softly as guards dragged the iron cages from the carriages, their expressions tense and wary. Even the most hardened soldiers could feel it—the wrongness clinging to the creatures inside.
Alexander and Arthur stood near the entrance of the palace, watching with sharp, calculating eyes. Neither of them spoke as the dungeon gates were opened below. They remained still, unmoving, until the last cage disappeared down the stone steps.
Only then did Alexander finally speak.
"Did you see them?" he asked quietly.
