Mahir bared his teeth in a savage, terrifying smile. He struck his chest with his fist. "It will be done in ten, Master. Their blood will water the southern plains."
"Excellent. The tactical parameters are set. You are all dismissed to mobilize your units."
The generals practically tripped over themselves to bow and exit the room, desperate to escape the suffocating aura of the Empress Regent. Mahir lingered for a moment, his golden eyes flicking toward Julian, before he gave Elara a deep, reverent bow and followed the others out to prepare the army.
Once the heavy doors clicked shut, only Elara, Julian, and Ken remained.
Elara let out a highly controlled, precise exhale. She closed her eyes for exactly two seconds to run a rapid cognitive reset.
