The castle walls seemed to press in on Kade as he stared at the dagger on the war chamber table. Its blade, dark and glinting with an unnatural sheen, pulsed faintly as though mocking his inability to unravel its secrets. Around him, his commanders exchanged uneasy glances, their typical banter replaced with grim silence.
"Great,"
Kade thought, rubbing his temples.
"Nothing like cursed cutlery to spice up an already disastrous week."
Vask broke the silence, his tone measured.
'This dagger wasn't left behind carelessly. Whoever placed it there wanted us to find it—but not before their ritual was complete.'
'Or they just got sloppy,'
Thadric grumbled, his massive arms crossed.
'I say we find them and smash their heads before they try again.'
'Subtle as ever,'
Selyna said, her voice dry.
'But he has a point. We can't let this go unanswered.'
'Agreed,'
