Chapter 158- A War Whisper
Alex looked into his tray.There was a slice of pie, with jam-like syrup slowly dripping from its side.Next to it sat a roasted chicken leg, still glistening with juice from the coals.He slid the meat toward Hati, who eagerly devoured it, tail wagging.Then Alex looked at the rest—a half-fried egg, and a thick slice of toasted bread. He sprinkled some pepper and salt on top and dug in with fork and knife.He washed it down with a mug of steaming hot coffee.It hit the spot.
In Selene’s tray, the meal was a little different.She had four pancakes, topped with sweet apple cubes, dripping in thick syrup.Beside it was a slice of the same pie Alex had, and a cup of steaming mocha.She took a bite of pancake with her fork, then a bite of pie, and sipped from the mocha.She giggled like a little girl, enjoying every bit of her food.Alex just smiled, watching her in silence.
After finishing breakfast, they left the cafeteria and wandered around the outer wall.The air around them had changed—tense, heavy with anticipation.Soldiers stood more rigid than before.Archers checked their quivers, and ice lancers reviewed formation positions.The wall was no longer just a defense—it was a war front in waiting.
As night fell, snuffing away the last rays of light, warm yellow glows burned steadily from the embedded light stones.Alex and Selene made their way toward the cafeteria for dinner.They were quietly eating when Marshal Sebeth arrived and sat down across from them, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.
Selene rolled her eyes and said in a warning tone,"Aunty, don’t."Sebeth raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence."What are you talking about, Sel?"
Alex glanced between the two of them, confused.Selene kept glaring, but Sebeth cheerfully ignored her and focused on the food on her plate.
They ate in silence for a few moments, until suddenly, Sebeth’s smile faded. She set down her fork and looked at both of them with serious eyes.After a moment of contemplation, she leaned in and whispered,"War is coming. That dragon you encountered... she’s going to attack soon. Or so we believe."
Selene’s eyes widened. Her fork fell to her plate with a sharp clank."War?" she whispered, shocked.
Sebeth nodded."Yes. Monsters are gathering—somewhere in the outskirts. I suspect it’s near the mountain you mentioned."