A hush had fallen over the Windcrest estate as the evening breeze carried with it an unnatural stillness. The kind of silence that made seasoned warriors shift uncomfortably in their armor.
Sera was seated near the garden steps, brushing Ace's soft fur absentmindedly. The lynx sat beside her, still as a statue, ears twitching at the faintest sounds. Even Bella, Praise's usually yappy white puppy, was uncharacteristically quiet.
Then came the knock.
The guards at the front of the estate quickly moved aside as a scout, dusty from travel and panic barely hidden on his face, rushed into the main hall where Duke Windcrest was seated, speaking with a few advisors.
The scout dropped to one knee.
"My lord—urgent news."
Duke Windcrest raised a brow, setting down his goblet. "Speak."
"We've received word. A battalion… no, an army, is heading straight toward our lands from the eastern forests. At the front of it—an unknown girl, possibly affiliated with the Anomaly Organization. She bears… an artifact. One we can't identify—but it controls entire groups with ease."
Windcrest's eyes narrowed. "The Scale."
The room fell into uneasy silence.
Another advisor spoke, "Reports say she overtook the Crimson Ravagers and made them kneel without a single loss. No negotiations. No parley. Just… submission."
Windcrest stood, voice low but firm. "Send messengers to every stronghold under our banner. We prepare for war—but quietly. We do not panic the people. And bring me my daughter."
Outside, Sera looked up as her name was called.
Inside, the Duke stared out the window, murmuring under his breath.
"Zane… where are you?"