Heiko nodded grimly. “We’ll tread carefully, Father. But if she dares threaten River again…” His eyes flashed dangerously, the faint glimmer of his Deathbringer aura rippling through the room. “She’ll learn that the South doesn’t bend to the North anymore.”
Paul’s lips curved faintly in approval. “That’s the spirit of a King,” he said hoarsely. “But remember, son — a wise King doesn’t just fight battles. He wins them before they even begin.”
River took a deep breath, trying to still the tremor in her chest. “Then that’s what we’ll do,” she said softly but firmly. “We’ll find out what she really wants… and we’ll be ready.”
For a long moment, no one spoke. The flames in the fireplace hissed softly, the air thick with unspoken fear and fragile resolve.
Finally, Alia broke the silence, her
