Beside him, the weathered features of Alpha Biansky were etched with concern. Yet, within those creased lines lay a fierce curiosity-a leader's mind dissecting each possible threat, calculating our best path forward. His nod was almost imperceptible, a silent concession to my authority, to the commands given in the defense of our realm.

Elder Matthias, whose wisdom had steered us through countless perils, regarded me with eyes that had seen the turning of centuries. I found solace in the ...