Ashwing growled low.
A sound more felt than heard.
"I don't want to fight your kingdom," Lindarion said. "I'm here because something's coming. Something you haven't seen yet—but you will."
"And this," Leonhardt said slowly, "was the only way to make me listen?"
Lindarion didn't look away. "Yes."
Silence.
Then Leonhardt nodded once to the nearest guard.
"Stand down."
The guards hesitated, then obeyed.
No weapons raised.
No orders shouted.
Just silence. And Ashwing, still crouched like a coiled blade in the center of the room, watching everything.
Lindarion let out a breath.
Then finally said it.
"The next rune pulse hits your borderlands in three days."
Leonhardt didn't question what that meant.
Not yet.
Because his eyes were still on Ashwing.
And for the first time since Lindarion walked in—he was listening.
—
The door to the king's private quarters closed with a soft click behind them.
The hall faded. The guards stayed behind.
