Desperate Search

Kaelix had never known such desperation. The moment he realized Eirik was gone, the world around him had collapsed into chaos. His consort, his love, had been taken, and the one responsible was the man they both trusted the most.

Sadiki.

That name now left a bitter taste in his mouth. The man who had sworn to protect Eirik with his life had become the greatest betrayer. The betrayal stung deeply, far more than any political intrigue or war ever could. Kaelix had thrown every resource at his disposal into the search. Troops scoured the kingdom, spies infiltrated every possible hideout, and every lead, no matter how small, was investigated. But so far, nothing.

His fists clenched involuntarily at his sides, as he stood in the palace's war room, a map of Zephyros spread out before him, he was barely holding himself together.

Kaelix was leaving no stone unturned, but his heart pounded with fear. Fear that it was already too late.