Vell sat at his desk, turning the golden invitation over and over in his hands. After yesterday's decisive victory over the Dragon Section, the people of The Broken Empire were in high spirits, a new energy buzzing through the streets.
"You are brooding again," Ada said as she walked into the office, a stack of papers tucked under her arm. "These are the defense reports you asked for."
"I do not brood," he replied without looking up, his gaze still fixed on the intricate seal of the invitation. "I think deeply. There is a difference."
"Sure there is." She set the papers down on his desk and peered at him, her dark eyes sharp. "You are worried about the competition."
"Not worried. Just…" He leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking in protest. "Something feels off. Regina is not stupid. She would not invite us unless she had a plan."
"When do we leave?" Mia materialized from a shadow in the corner, her sudden appearance making Ada jump.
