Chapter 48

Maxi felt her blood run cold. With both hands resting on the marble table, Riftan stared at the crystal model for a long time, a heartless gleam in his eyes. His expression hinted at the hundred different strategies of capturing the castle spinning through his head.

"I suppose… this means another war," Maxi murmured.

Riftan jerked his head up. The reflected light from the crystalline surface cast his chiseled face in a somber shadow.

"Yes," he reluctantly concurred.

Maxi took a deep breath followed by an exhale. Though she had been prepared for such a possibility, thinking of the difficulties looming ahead flooded her heart with fear. She was looking at the crystal with trepidation when she felt his hand on her shoulder.

"But we are the invaders this time. The monsters should be trembling in fear, not us."