Wald's Life in Peril

With a deep breath, Wald turned back to the castle, ready to set his plan in motion. The weight of centuries pressed on his shoulders, but a newfound determination burned in his chest. He strode through the dimly lit halls, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls.

As he neared the war room, a sharp pain shot through his head. Wald stumbled, catching himself against the wall. The world spun around him, and for a moment, he thought he glimpsed Madison's face in the flickering torchlight. But when he blinked, she was gone.

"Your Majesty!" Astrid's voice cut through the haze. She rushed to his side, concern etched on her face. "Are you alright?"

Wald straightened, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, Astrid. Just a momentary weakness. Come, we have work to do."

But as they entered the war room, Wald knew he wasn't fine. Something was wrong, terribly wrong. The power that had sustained him for centuries felt... different. Unstable. Like a dam about to burst.