章節 68: Chapter 68: Trial by Fire

The air was thick with tension as Lucian stood on the balcony of his war room, staring out over the vast expanse of his empire. His heart beat steadily, but his mind raced with the constant strain of defending his kingdom. Ever since Gaius, the former Church inquisitor, had defected to his side, Lucian had been on edge, carefully testing the man's loyalty. The information Gaius provided had proven invaluable so far, but trust was something Lucian had learned to withhold in these uncertain times.

Suddenly, the doors to the war room swung open, and Mara entered, her face grim and lined with urgency.

"Lucian," she said, her voice sharp. "We've received word of an attack on Stonebridge."