The palace courtyard, once filled with the clashing of swords and the subdued guards, suddenly fell silent. The tranquilizers had done their work, and Helena's forces believed they had secured King William peacefully. But in an unexpected twist of fate, the tranquility of the night was shattered by the arrival of two unexpected figures: Aleric and Kayden.
Helena's heart skipped a beat as she laid eyes on Aleric and Kayden, both of whom she had hoped to keep out of the conflict. The moonlight danced upon their faces, revealing expressions of determination and, in Aleric's case, a hint of malevolence.
Aleric, with a wicked grin on his face, stepped forward, his eyes locking onto King William. "Well, well, Helena, it seems you were a step ahead of me this time. But I'm afraid your little rebellion ends here."