TER FORTY ONE

GENERAL POV

Three hours had passed, yet no clues has been found.

Every corridor had been walked. Every hidden corner open. Every servant, guard, and official questioned . Still, nothing. Not a single trace of the stolen money. It was as though the palace itself had swallowed them whole and chosen silence.

Torches flickered against stone walls as the last group of guards returned to the grand hall, their faces tight with dread. The air was heavy with fear.

The guards ...