A deathly silence filled my study as the partial translation of the frost-raven's message hung in the air between us. The warning was unmistakable—yet it only strengthened my resolve.
"This confirms it," I said, breaking the quiet. "The Silent City exists, and it houses something of tremendous significance."
Princess Lyra's violet eyes narrowed as she studied the scroll again, frost still clinging to its edges despite the warmth of the room. "It's not just a warning, Evander. It's recognition. Whatever sent this knows who you are—knows your lineage."
A chill ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the frozen scroll. "Can you decipher the rest?"
"I'll need time," she replied, her slender fingers hovering over the ancient script. "This language predates our oldest records. I recognize elements from the primordial texts we found in the eastern ruins, but this is... different. Colder somehow."
