The war council convened in the castle's great hall, the long table laden with maps and documents. Queen Lyanna presided over the meeting, her regal presence commanding respect.
Atreya stood at the edge of the room, feeling out of place among the seasoned knights and advisors. He recognized some of them from his father's court, their faces older but no less stern.
"The enemy has already crossed the border," one of the generals said, pointing to a map. "They'll reach our outer defenses within a week."
"And what of their numbers?" Queen Lyanna asked.
"Far greater than ours," the general admitted. "They've allied with mercenaries and other rogue factions."
The room fell silent. Atreya's chest tightened as he listened to the grim report.
"We can't face them head-on," Celeste said, stepping forward. "Not without reinforcements."
The queen nodded. "Then we must delay them. Send envoys to our allies. And in the meantime…" Her gaze shifted to Atreya. "We'll need every advantage we can get."
Atreya straightened under her scrutiny. "What do you mean?"
"The sword you carry," the queen said. "It's more than a weapon. If you can learn to wield its power, it could turn the tide of this war."
Atreya hesitated, the weight of her words sinking in. "I don't even know what it's capable of."
"Then it's time you found out," Celeste said, her voice firm.