C92 The Dark Lord’s Move

Night fell early over the Vietnam Pack.

Not because the sun dipped too soon, but because the light itself seemed to withdraw, as if the sky wanted no part in what was coming. Clouds gathered with no wind. The air thickened, silent in a way that was not natural.

Ariana felt it before anyone spoke.

Not magic.

Not power.

Recognition.

She stood on the stone balcony just outside her chambers