"So," Adrian began, his voice steady, "what do you know about the Shadow Court? How do they operate?"
Zack looked hesitant for a moment, but he finally sighed, sitting down behind the desk. "The Shadow Court… They're more than just a secret organization. They control everything from behind the scenes—politics, trade, the military. You name it. They're not just in this region, either. Their influence stretches across the entire kingdom, maybe even beyond. No one knows exactly who runs the Court, but the Count—well, he was one of their pawns. Just like a lot of people in power."
"And Meridia?" Adrian pressed. "What do they want with Meridia? Why was the kingdom invaded and destroyed?"
Zack's face paled at the mention of her name, his hands fidgeting with a quill on the desk. "Meridia…" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm afraid I don't know that… Maybe the kingdom was a threat to them or something."
