"Unfortunately, I've decided to kidnap you, my lady." His voice carried a weight that made the words feel like they were collapsing over her head. Egologia was in no rush.
"The men here are stubborn—they won't reveal a thing. But you... you might help a promising man like me."
The taut threads coiled around her wrists twisted slightly, as if reminding her of their presence. Her breath was ragged, her eyes unable to focus fully on him, but she spoke. Because silence was worse.
"The Heavenly Conflict... you're asking about that?" she stammered, inhaling a shaky breath before continuing, "The Five Kingdoms."
Her lips trembled. "Far to the north, beyond what the people can even imagine... there's a battlefield that hasn't yet begun."
"Clarify, my lady." With unsettling politeness, his request sounded like nothing more than a conversation between friends.
