"The sea does not forget its depth, nor do I forget what power was promised to me. Let them fear the silence, for that is when the tide begins to turn."
Two days later, the sea shifted. I felt it first not in the currents, not in the salt, but in my spine. As if the ocean was holding its breath and we were seated in the council dining hall, gathered over a quiet, intentionally light meal. Prince Zynarion sat opposite me, posture elegant but weary, his appetite waning. General Kallion flanked him, already halfway through his second helping, barely chewing as usual. And to my surprise, Thalindra Wavecrest had joined us tonight, an unusual move from the High Envoy of Tides, who rarely shared casual meals with the likes of us unless something was brewing.
