Adolph was captured??!!

I marched back and forth in the dark room, my heart beating in my chest like a battle drum. Anxiety gnawed at the borders of my thoughts like an unrelenting predator, clawing at me. It had been far too long since Adolph had left, and a foreboding dread now hung over the palace like a shroud.

There was a serious problem.

I had had enough of the uncertainty. The passing of time just made me more concerned about Adolph's security. The words he said as he turned to look at the chaos outside are still ringing in my ears: "Stay here."

But I was unable to wait any longer. I needed to know what had happened to him. I made my way to the door with rapid, resolute steps.My senses were acutely awake as I proceeded through the dim passageways.

The lifeless body of a palace guard was then visible to me in the weak light of a sconce, lying splayed on the chilly stone floor. A shivering sensation went down my spine as my breath stuck in my throat. This wasn't just an annoyance; it was a full-fledged