The room was dark, save for the faint silver glow of moonlight slipping in through the narrow window. Noel lay on his back atop the bed, arms folded behind his head, staring at the ceiling. Sleep wouldn't come — his mind refused to quiet down.
'The First Pillar… here in Tharvaldur. Why? Why remove Torwan? Why give us the victory instead of striking himself? None of it makes sense.'
He turned his head slightly, watching shadows shift against the stone walls. Every detail of the day replayed in his mind, but the motives behind the First Pillar's actions remained a blur. It was like being handed a puzzle where half the pieces were missing.
His thoughts drifted to what tomorrow would bring. By dawn, Balthor would be proclaimed king. Noriel, once the right hand of Balthor's father, was widely respected, and his support would stabilize the transition. Balthor had already decided he would be honest with the people — exposing everything Torwan had done.
