Freya‘s pov.

Dorian and I lay on the narrow bed, his arms wrapped protectively around me, the silence between us heavy but comforting.

We barely had time to breathe before a sharp knock interrupted the stillness. The door opened and Victor stepped in, eyes grim, voice urgent.

"Dorian," he said. "That thing you said about Alaric? It's happened. The kingdom has fallen."

Dorian sighed, his shoulders heavy. "I was hoping we had more time."

Victor nodded. "Cassian ...