The scout's words hung in the air like a death sentence.
Kael clenched his fists, his mind already racing through possibilities. An army? Now? The city hadn't even begun to recover from the last war, and already, another force was on the move.
Lela was the first to react. "What banner do they march under?"
The scout hesitated. "It's… unfamiliar, my lady. A black sun rising over a silver field. The soldiers wear strange armor—nothing like the Forsaken King's troops. But they march in formation. Disciplined. Organized. Not raiders."
Kael exchanged a glance with Hadrian, whose expression had darkened.
"An empire," the old general muttered.
Kael turned back to the scout. "How many?"
The man hesitated before answering. "Ten thousand. Maybe more."
The room fell into silence.
Evernight Citadel was in no state to withstand a siege, let alone face a fully equipped army.
"We have to prepare," Kael said, voice firm. "If they march with discipline, they won't be mere warlords seeking to loot ruins. They're here with a purpose. We need to know what that is before we act."
Hadrian nodded. "I'll send riders to confirm their movements. If they are hostile, we must assume they plan to take Evernight."
Mary crossed her arms, her face unreadable. "And if they don't plan to attack?"
Kael exhaled. "Then we find out what they want before steel is drawn."
A City on the Brink
By dawn, the city was a frenzy of activity. Runners were dispatched to the neighboring regions in search of allies. Scouts rode out to track the enemy force. The people of Evernight—those who could fight—began fortifying the broken walls.
Kael stood atop the battlements, watching as makeshift barricades were raised and training drills were run in the courtyard below. The people were determined, but determination wouldn't stop swords.
"We're not ready for this," he admitted aloud.
Lela, standing beside him, didn't disagree. "No, we're not. But we fight anyway."
Kael turned to her, studying the fire in her eyes. She had always been the first to charge into battle, but this was different. "Do you think we should fight?"
She hesitated. That alone told him everything.
"Not yet," she admitted. "If this army came to claim the city, we'd already be dead. They wouldn't give us time to prepare. That means they want something first."
Kael nodded. "Then let's find out what."
The Emissary of the Black Sun
By nightfall, the enemy's vanguard had reached the city's outskirts.
A single rider approached the gates, clad in dark steel, the emblem of the black sun emblazoned on his chest. His horse, a monstrous black steed, moved with unnatural precision.
Kael, accompanied by Lela, Mary, and Hadrian, rode out to meet him. The city's warriors watched tensely from the walls, hands on weapons, waiting for the first sign of treachery.
The emissary removed his helmet, revealing an older man with silver hair and piercing violet eyes. His expression was unreadable—calm, yet assessing.
"I am Lord Varian of the Astral Dominion," he announced, his voice carrying with authority. "I speak on behalf of my Emperor."
Kael didn't flinch. "And what does your Emperor want with Evernight?"
Varian's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "What all rulers want—order. The Forsaken King is dead, and this city is vulnerable. The Astral Dominion offers protection, guidance… stability."
"You mean conquest," Lela spat.
Varian chuckled. "If we wanted conquest, Lady Lela, your walls would already be crumbling." He turned back to Kael. "We do not seek to rule your people. We seek an alliance."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "An alliance?"
Varian nodded. "The Astral Dominion stretches far beyond these lands, and we have enemies that would see it fall. Evernight is a valuable position—if we control it, we control the trade routes through the continent. We do not seek war, but we require your loyalty."
"And if we refuse?" Mary asked coldly.
Varian's smile didn't fade. "Then you will stand alone when the real war comes."
A Dangerous Choice
Back within the Great Hall, the debate raged.
Hadrian was firm. "We cannot trust them. If we submit now, we may never break free."
Lady Ilara was more pragmatic. "We have no food, no army, and no allies. If they are willing to support us, it may be the only way to rebuild."
Lela was furious. "This is just another form of tyranny! We fought to be free!"
Kael remained silent, listening. Weighing the options.
Finally, he stood.
"We cannot decide this tonight. We will give them an answer at dawn."
A Midnight Visitor
As Kael sat alone in his chambers, staring at the map of Evernight, a knock came at his door.
When he opened it, Varian stood there.
"You shouldn't be here," Kael said, keeping his voice calm.
Varian stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "I wanted to speak to you alone. Away from the ears of your council."
Kael watched him warily. "Why?"
Varian's violet eyes gleamed. "Because I know who you are."
Kael's blood ran cold.
Varian leaned closer. "The last heir of the Azure Throne. The lost prince of the old empire. Do you think your bloodline is forgotten?"
Kael's hand inched toward his sword.
Varian smiled. "Relax. If I meant you harm, you'd be dead already. But you must understand—your existence is a threat. A threat my Emperor is willing to tolerate… for now."
Kael's grip tightened. "And what does your Emperor want?"
Varian's expression turned deadly serious. "A war is coming, Kael. A war far greater than you can imagine. If Evernight does not stand with us, it will be the first to fall."
Kael stared at him, heart pounding.
A war greater than this?
Before he could speak, Varian turned toward the door. "Think carefully, Kael. By dawn, you must choose."
As the door shut behind him, Kael knew one thing for certain.
Whatever choice he made… it would change everything.