Chapter 172

Killian's point of view

It was still the early hours of dawn, and darkness still lingered outside. The early morning light struggled to break through the darkness, casting long shadows across my chamber as I awoke.

An unfamiliar restlessness stirred within me, urging me to rise earlier than usual. I had a mountain of paperwork to tackle and a few matters to tend to in my office today, and I wanted to get over with it before Sheila woke up. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving her side for the rest of the day, let alone during tonight's ritual. She had been carrying a heavy burden these past few days – the looming threat of war, the unsettling presence of dark magic, and the chilling prophecy of Amelie's vision.

Oh, goddess!

With a heavy sigh, I sank into the worn leather chair in my office, rubbing the exhaustion from my face. I couldn't deny the impact of Sheila's words about Amelie's vision. I knew the seer's prophecies were often accurate, but I also clu