A restless wind swept across the courtyard of the fortress, curling through stone corridors and whispering past the lanterns hung above the training fields. Aria stood at the edge of the overlook, eyes fixed on the horizon where night was beginning to eclipse the fading sun. The letter still weighed heavily in her tunic pocket, its silent message echoing louder than any shout.
Kael's footsteps were quiet, but she sensed him the moment he drew near. "You've barely slept," he said.
"I can't afford to," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kael tilted his head, eyes narrowing. "This is about more than just dreams, isn't it?"
She reached into her pocket and handed him the folded parchment. Kael unfolded it slowly. His expression hardened.
"What is this?"
"I don't know who sent it," Aria admitted. "But that symbol,it was in my dreams. On the altar. On the man."
Kael's brow furrowed. "Do you think it's a threat?"
"I think it's a warning."
