The night in Arkansas was unusually still, the air thick with anticipation. The House of Roses buzzed with quiet activity as the plan to protect the city from Duke Ravindor's impending grasp began to unfold. Gildevart, Lyan, Josephine, Abraham, and their newfound allies gathered around a large table in the main hall, a map of the city spread out before them.Lyan, standing at the head of the table, surveyed the faces of those assembled. His gaze lingered on the knights he had brought, their expressions resolute. "We don't have much time. The Duke's influence is spreading fast, and we need to act quickly."
Josephine, seated next to him, nodded. "We've identified key points we need to protect and fortify. The market, the docks, and our supply routes are critical. If the Duke controls them, he controls the city. Uh?" Josephine's voice wavered slightly at the end of her sentence.
"B-Big sis?" Alina voiced her concern.
