Malrik POV

I entered my office with purpose, every step driven by the resolve coursing through me. Today, there would be no diversions, no excuses I was going to start pulling threads until the truth unraveled.

The air itself seemed taut, thick with anticipation as I lowered into my chair, waiting for the others.

Ashuriel arrived first, as I knew he would, carrying his usual air of unbothered ease. Vladan, I expected, would take his time fatigue was bound to catch up with him eventually. ...