Chapter 61

• The war room was unusually quiet when the scouts returned, their faces pale and strained from the grueling journey. Amara stood at the head of the table, flanked by Xander and Asher, as the lead scout stepped forward, clutching a rolled parchment in his gloved hands. His expression was grim, his voice tight as he addressed them.
• “We’ve confirmed the reports,” the scout said, his words heavy. “Rita has allied herself with Morganna.”
• The room fell into stunned silence, broken only by the crackle of the fire in the hearth. Xander’s jaw tightened, and Asher leaned forward, his normally easygoing demeanor replaced with sharp intensity. Amara, feeling the weight of the news settle over her, straightened her shoulders.