By dawn, the Imperial City had awoken to whispered horrors.
The news crackled through the city like dry leaves on fire, setting both noble courts and the narrow, winding streets ablaze with rumors. House Breinne, a name spoken with reverence and power, had been nearly eradicated overnight.
More than half its bloodline lay dead, scattered like leaves after heavy rain. And the Lady Liselle, once poised to wed the empire's second prince, had barely clung to life through the assault.
Her wounds were severe, and the hushed questions surrounding her health only fueled the fire. Uncertainty hung over her fate, leaving the imperial city restless, teeming with speculation.
The courts were quick to birth rumors, feeding upon each one like starving wolves.
