Chapter 392

• The fifteen days ahead were packed with high-profile events the kind that could make or break reputations. The city’s most anticipated celebration, the New Year’s Gala at Skyward Sanctum, was about to unfold. The king himself was scheduled to make a personal appearance, overseeing the ceremonies from an exclusive elevated platform. Afterwards, he’d mingle with the crowd near the city gates to enjoy the fireworks display a rare gesture aimed at showing solidarity with the public.
• The city’s security teams were already in overdrive. The Capital Guard and the special garrison unit were coordinating with the Ministry of Urban Development to erect viewing platforms outside the city walls. The whole operation was a massive logistical effort, balancing spectacle with safety.
• After visiting Aunt Avis, Rafael and I found ourselves alone in the small wooden cabin tucked just outside the retreat grounds. It was the same cabin Travis had stayed in previously worn but tidy, the bed neatly made, furniture polished despite its age.