Adrian's heart sank as he read through the letter, each word weighing heavily on him. Zack's letter—marked by the familiar seal of Count Keyz—who had been acting as the Count—contained news he had both feared and expected.
The Shadow Court was moving faster than any of them had anticipated.
************
"Adrian, my friend," the letter began in Zack's handwriting, "word of your actions in Brenden has reached the Shadow Court. I've heard from my sources that they are unsettled by the defeat of their forces and the growing resistance in the region.
Though I do not know where or when, my informants have confirmed one crucial detail: the Shadow Court is accelerating its plans.
They are gathering for an emergency meeting. I don't have details yet—location, time, or specific objectives remain unknown—but I suspect this meeting will determine their next moves.
