The castle loomed in quiet anticipation, the atmosphere heavy with the tension of recent events. Kade sat in the war chamber, poring over maps and reports. The Syndicate's reach had proven to be deeper than expected, and every step forward seemed to reveal another layer of their influence.
"Why does it feel like every victory just leads to more problems?"
he muttered, leaning back in his chair.
The doors creaked open, and Selyna entered, her footsteps as silent as the shadows she often inhabited. Her expression was calm, but there was a sharpness in her eyes that Kade recognized all too well.
'My lord,'
she began,
'we've managed to secure the tunnels, but the Syndicate won't stay idle for long. Their operatives are already regrouping.'
Kade sighed, rubbing his temples.
'Of course they are. What's the damage?'
'Minimal on our end,'
Selyna replied,
