Chapter 13: My life is fulfilled after seeing a dragon
Previously~
The sharp cry of a hawk pierced the air, cutting through the heavy silence like a blade. Moments later, a shadow passed over the window as talons scratched against the stone ledge.
Sophie quickly unwrapped the letter tied to the hawk's feet.
Furrowing her brows she read through the parchment. She motioned to Seradin.
"Seradin, tell the Lord Marshal that we agree to provide support, also... tell Elsa to ready my battle gear."
Seradin's eyes widened, his hand still resting on the hilt of his sword. "You would have us help them?" he asked, voice low, uncertain if he'd misheard.
Sophie folded the letter with sharp, practiced precision and slid it into her cloak. Her expression remained calm, but her eyes burned with grim resolve. "We will not stand idle while monsters spill into the heartlands. Whether the church unleashes them or not, the people of Duskrane will be the first to bleed. And if we do nothing, we'll be next."
The Lord Marshal, still standing tensely near the doorway, gave a faint smile—something between smug approval and mild surprise. "Wise, Duchess. I'll inform His Holiness your duchy stands with the Divine Order."
"Don't mistake this for loyalty," Sophie replied coldly. "Leonhart marches to protect the realm, not to fuel your holy war."
Christian's smile faltered. Seradin took a step forward, and the Lord Marshal wisely took that as a sign to leave.
Once he was gone, Sophie turned to her knight. "Send a hawk to Amelia. She must know the truth. And if Edward is truly in the west, then he'll be the first to face the storm."