A communication crystal pulsed red on Vaedon's desk. His eyes opened, calm despite the urgency screaming across the room.
It was still dark, dawn creeping over the horizon. He rose from his bed and crossed the room in silence.
His steps softer than wool even as he touched the crystal. The message materialized in silver text hovering above the surface.
"Castor attacked Prince Auryn. Arrow to the chest. Attempt to avenge for his son Varent's death---
He failed... The prince is wounded but alive. Castor retreated and situation contained."
Vaedon's jaw tightened as he read. His fingers clenched the desk edge.
"Idiot!" The word came quiet yet venomous.
He moved to the window. Looked out over the area. Dawn creeping across rooftops. But most of the city was still asleep.
Attacked without informing me. Grief-stricken foolishness. The weakness I exploit in others. Now it's bitten him.
