Night fell over Greyhaven like a velvet cloak.
Shadows stretched along walls and alleys, hiding both watchers and the watched.
Aren moved among them, unseen.
The Shadow Army had become the city's heartbeat.
Silent patrols. Secret signals. Hidden eyes.
Everyone knew something had changed, but no one knew what—or who.
Lysa led a team through the rooftops.
Arrows ready.
Daggers gleaming in moonlight.
Every guard who strayed too far was removed quietly.
Caelis commanded another unit in the alleys.
Traps set for loyalists.
Whispers spread of "ghosts of Valewood" striking in the night.
Fear became a weapon sharper than any blade.
Even Rowan was not immune.
The prince, once feared, now trembled inside his palace.
He could hear the rumors.
He could see the city's trembling.
And he realized that no wall could save him.
Aren met with Tom on a hidden balcony overlooking the marketplace.
"Do they truly fear us?" Tom asked.
"Yes," Aren replied. "And fear is only the beginning."
Across the city, minor lords and merchants pledged loyalty quietly.
Allies of the Shadow Army.
All seeking protection.
All seeing who truly held the power.
By dawn, Greyhaven was his—without a single open battle.
The streets whispered his name.
The city trembled in silent obedience.
And Aren realized something dangerous:
Power gained through fear is fragile.
Yet, perfectly wielded…
It is unstoppable.