The palace was quieter than usual.
Too quiet.
Kai noticed it immediately.
Even the servants seemed nervous.
Guards stood at every entrance.
More than normal.
Much more.
Something had changed.
He found Akshay inside a meeting room reviewing reports.
The king looked annoyed.
Which, oddly enough, was reassuring.
At least some things remained normal.
"You're staring."
Akshay didn't look up.
Kai folded his arms.
"The palace feels strange."
"That's because everyone is panicking."
The king finally looked up.
"Half the city thinks demons are coming. The other half thinks the world is ending."
"And which is it?"
Akshay sighed.
"Probably both."
Before Kai could respond, the doors burst open.
Several guards entered.
Not palace guards.
Military guards.
Behind them walked Commander Jack.
The room immediately fell silent.
Akshay frowned.
"What is this?"
Nobody answered at first.
Then Kai noticed something.
The soldiers looked uncomfortable.
Not angry.
Not aggressive.
Uncomfortable.
As if they didn't want to be here.
Jack stepped forward.
His face was unreadable.
"Your Majesty."
Akshay slowly stood.
The atmosphere instantly became heavy.
"What happened?"
Jack took a breath.
"The convoy investigation has concluded."
A folded document appeared in his hand.
Akshay's eyes narrowed.
"The convoy was redirected."
Jack continued.
"Using an order bearing your seal."