Kael finished adjusting his clothes with short, precise movements.
The fabric was simple, but reinforced with discreet runes—clearly something prepared for when he woke up, not if he woke up. This did not go unnoticed by him.
He flexed his fingers once.
Twice.
A slight tingling ran through his arms, down his spine, vibrating in his bones. Chaos was quiet… too quiet. Like a crouching predator, waiting for permission.
Kael looked up.
"So…" he said, his voice still hoarse, but firm. "What happened while I was sleeping?"
Elion and Eleanor exchanged a look.
One of those long looks. Loaded. Too heavy.
Eleanor sighed first, leaning on her cane—more out of habit than necessity.
"Too many things," she replied. "Wars, alliances, betrayals, new titles, lost titles, people meddling where they weren't wanted…"
Elion finished, in a softer tone: "And consequences you won't understand all at once. Nor should you try now."
Kael frowned slightly.
"…How long?"
