The night was still, almost unnaturally so. The air around Bloodmoor felt heavy with anticipation, as though the very castle itself was holding its breath, waiting for the inevitable clash. The eastern borders were secure for now, but every scout’s report brought the same news—Zephyrion’s forces were growing, and it was only a matter of time before they struck.

Alexi stood in the war room, his gaze fixed on the large map spread across the table. The lines marking Bloodmoor’s borders felt too thin, too fragile, against the growing weight of Zephyrion’s impending attack. His thoughts churned, each plan and counterplan unfolding in his mind as he worked through the possibilities.

But there was something else that tugged at his attention. Something beyond the simple logistics of war. The fae’s silence, their patience, unsettled him. For all the reports of Zephyrion’s forces gathering, there had been no sign of the Prince himself.

"My Lord," Marcellus said, stepping into the room. "The scouts report no further movements along the border tonight. It’s almost as though Zephyrion’s forces have paused."

"Zephyrion is waiting for something," Alexi replied quietly. "He’s not just gathering his forces—he’s waiting for the right moment. We need to find out what he’s planning before it’s too late."

As if in response to his words, the door to the war room opened again, this time revealing Lady Selene. Her silver hair gleamed in the torchlight, and her expression was calm but tense. She approached with the grace of someone who had spent years walking a thin line between power and danger.

"My Lord," she said, her voice soft but steady. "I bring news from the eastern territories."

Alexi’s eyes narrowed slightly. "What news?"

Selene’s gaze flicked briefly to Marcellus before she stepped closer to Alexi, lowering her voice. "Zephyrion has sent emissaries to the lesser fae courts. He’s gathering more than just soldiers—he’s calling upon the old magics, the kind that haven’t been used in centuries."

Alexi’s jaw tightened, but he remained outwardly calm. "What kind of magic?"

"The kind that can tear apart realms," Selene replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Zephyrion isn’t just planning to take Bloodmoor. He’s planning to reshape the very fabric of reality. He’s seeking to merge the fae realm with ours, to create a new world where the fae rule supreme."

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Marcellus’s eyes widened in shock, but Alexi’s expression remained stoic, though his mind raced. If what Selene said was true, then Zephyrion’s ambitions extended far beyond the conquest of Bloodmoor. The fae Prince sought to unmake the world itself, to reshape it in his image.

"How do you know this?" Alexi asked, his voice quiet but filled with suspicion.

Selene hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I have my sources, my Lord. There are those within the fae court who are not loyal to Zephyrion, who see the danger in what he’s attempting. They’ve passed this information to me in the hope that we can stop him before it’s too late."

Alexi studied her closely, searching for any sign of deceit, but Selene’s eyes remained steady, her expression earnest.

"And why are you telling me this now?" Alexi asked, his voice measured. "You’ve kept much from me in the past, Selene. Why reveal this now?"

Selene’s gaze didn’t falter. "Because if Zephyrion succeeds, there will be nothing left for any of us. Bloodmoor, the court, the realm itself—it will all fall under his dominion. I may have my ambitions, my Lord, but even I know when the stakes are too high."

Alexi remained silent for a moment, considering her words. He didn’t trust Selene—he never fully had—but her information aligned with the growing sense of unease he had felt since Zephyrion’s forces began gathering.

"If what you say is true," Alexi said finally, his voice cold, "then we have little time. Zephyrion must be stopped before he can complete his plan."

Selene nodded. "There is still time, but not much. The lesser fae courts are divided—some support Zephyrion, but others remain neutral. If we can sway them to our side, we may have a chance to prevent him from carrying out his plan."

"Then we must act quickly," Alexi said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "We’ll send emissaries to the lesser fae courts, offer them an alliance against Zephyrion. If we can turn his own people against him, we may stand a chance."

Selene bowed her head slightly. "I will make the necessary arrangements."

As she turned to leave, Alexi’s eyes followed her, his mind still churning with the implications of what she had revealed. Zephyrion’s plan to merge the realms was far more dangerous than any simple war for conquest. If he succeeded, the entire balance of the world would be thrown into chaos.

As the door closed behind Selene, Marcellus stepped forward, his expression filled with concern. "Do you believe her?"

Alexi’s eyes darkened. "I don’t trust her, Marcellus. But right now, we have no choice but to act on the information we have."

Marcellus nodded, though his unease was clear. "And if she’s lying?"

"Then we’ll find out soon enough," Alexi replied, his voice cold. "But if she’s telling the truth, then Zephyrion is a far greater threat than we imagined."

The weight of the moment settled heavily on Alexi’s shoulders as he turned back to the map of Bloodmoor. The game had shifted once again, and now, with the fate of the realm hanging in the balance, every decision would determine the future.

The storm was coming, and this time, there would be no turning back.