Chapter 143 143: Weight of Dawn

The court adjourned with the sound of ringing steel and murmured prayers.

As the Emperor rose from his throne, the nobles dispersed in slow, rippling waves of silk and armor. No one dared speak openly in Aric's presence — not yet. They whispered in half-formed sentences, their faces twisted in doubt, anger, and, beneath it all, fear.

Aric stood motionless as the guards approached. His posture was relaxed, but every line of his body radiated quiet control.

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