The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting the city in a dim, haunting glow. Smoke still lingered in the air, rising from the ruins of the parade square and the many other sites attacked the night before. The joyous atmosphere of yesterday’s celebration had been replaced with silence, punctuated only by the cries of the wounded and the murmur of survivors searching for their loved ones.
In the war room, Ghost stood at the central table, maps and reports spread before him. His usually carefree demeanor was replaced by a sharp focus, his armor still streaked with soot from the earlier chaos. He gestured to a group of operatives, their faces concealed beneath cloaks that marked them as part of the kingdom’s intelligence branch.
“We need answers,” Ghost said, his voice low and steady. “Find those responsible, track every lead. I want names, locations, anything. No stone unturned. This attack didn’t come from nowhere.”
One of the operatives nodded. “We’ll begin immediately, Captain.”
As the cloaked figures slipped out of the room like shadows, Ghost glanced over his shoulder at King Monn, who had been standing silently by the doorway.
“They’re good at what they do,” Ghost said, though his voice carried an edge of frustration. “But even they might take time.”
Monn stepped into the room, his boots echoing against the stone floor. His black and gold cloak trailed behind him, the weight of the night evident in his stride. He placed a hand on Ghost’s shoulder.
“Do what you can,” Monn said quietly. “The kingdom will need answers soon. But right now, I need to see the people.”
Ghost nodded solemnly. “They’ll need to see you too.”
---
Monn left the palace, escorted by a small contingent of Royal Guards. The streets were unrecognizable. Buildings were scorched, windows shattered, and the once-bustling markets lay in ruin. Families huddled together in makeshift shelters, their faces etched with grief and fear.
As Monn walked, people began to notice him. At first, they watched silently, their expressions unreadable. But as he passed, some stepped forward, their voices trembling.
“Your Majesty,” an elderly man said, his hands shaking as he bowed. “My shop... it’s gone. But my family is safe, thanks to the guards. Please... bring us justice.”
Monn placed a hand on the man’s shoulder. “You have my word,” he said firmly.
Further down the road, a young boy clung to his mother, his tear-streaked face buried in her dress. Monn knelt beside them, his voice soft. “You’re safe now. The kingdom will protect you.”
The mother nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. “Thank you, my king.”
Monn rose, his jaw tightening as he continued through the streets. Each encounter weighed on him, the faces of his people etched into his memory.
At the remnants of the parade square, Monn paused. The banners of black and gold lay in tatters, scattered among the rubble. Soldiers and guards worked tirelessly to clear the debris, their faces grim but determined.
A young guard approached and saluted. “Your Majesty, we’ve accounted for most of the casualties. Some areas are still inaccessible, but we’re doing everything we can.”
Monn nodded. “Continue the efforts. The people need to see progress, even in the smallest ways.”
As he turned to leave, his gaze fell on the palace’s towering spires in the distance, still untouched by the destruction. The stark contrast between the safety of his home and the devastation around him only deepened his resolve.
---
By the time Monn returned to the palace, Ghost was waiting for him in the council chamber. A fresh map of the city had been pinned to the wall, marked with the locations of the explosions.
“The operatives are already moving,” Ghost reported. “But this wasn’t a small operation. Whoever did this planned for months, maybe longer. They’ll be hard to find, but we’ll get them.”
Monn studied the map, his eyes narrowing. “They attacked us at our heart. They wanted to send a message.”
Ghost nodded. “And we’ll send one back.”
Monn turned to face his old friend, his expression steeled. “When the time comes, Ghost, the kingdom must act decisively. No hesitation.”
Ghost gave a small, grim smile. “You’ve got it, Monn. No hesitation.”
As the day wore on, the palace buzzed with activity, plans forming to address both the immediate needs of the people and the longer-term hunt for those responsible. But for Monn, the weight of the crown had never felt heavier.
Standing once again on the balcony overlooking his kingdom, he made a silent vow: the Golden Eternal Kingdom would rise from the ashes, stronger than ever. And those who sought to bring it down would face the full force of its wrath.
YOU ARE READING
Eternal.
Fantascienza"They stood with us, side by side, Fighting through battles as the nights got colder. Their blades once lit up the battlefield, And their voices were strong-but now, it's quiet. I can still remember the way they laughed, The way they'd charge into t...
