*Rhys*

The air was heavy with excitement as I scanned the faces of those gathered with us in the grand hall. My father, Former King Xander Crimson, stood stoic and silent, his presence commanding attention even without uttering a word. Beside him, Saoirse's eyes were alight with a fire that burned brighter than any flame.

"Something's wrong, very wrong," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. The murmurings around us ceased as all eyes turned toward me. "The signs ...