Arthur peeled the wax seal with care, unfolding the paper just enough to glimpse the script within. A single page. A single name signed in ink so dark it looked burned into the fiber.
Lady Zephyra.
No flourish. No unnecessary words. Just a short message written in her unmistakable hand:
You are expected. Your shelter is secured. Trust the ones who carry this.
Arthur didn't speak. He passed the letter behind him.
Beli took it with no comment. The armored statue studied the page for no more than a second, then gave a small nod. It was hers. Undoubtedly.
"She knew we'd come here?" Aleks muttered beside him, low.
"She made preparations the moment she learned." Beli replied, still watching the two messengers.
A sharp voice cut across the crowd. "You have secure housing under Glaucus command."
Rhys Flydart.
The Admiral stepped through the gathering with slow, deliberate steps, his frown etched deeper than usual, his eyes pinned not on the messengers, but on Arthur.
