“What’s going on here?”0

“Did something happen?”0

The peaceful night in the capital was suddenly pierced by commotion. Citizens returning home paused, ears catching the tension in the air. They gathered, curiosity drawing them to the street where Ketal now faced a group of ragged strangers, their leader pointing a sword of holy light at him.0

Those who witnessed the scene—Ketal standing tall, and the mysterious woman wielding a blade formed from sacred power—felt an instinctive sense of dread. Something was happening that should never occur within the city’s walls. An act of violence, so raw and primal, was about to take place under the watchful eyes of the gods and the king alike.0

Some people quickly fled the scene, unwilling to be drawn into danger. Others, braver or more foolish, ducked behind walls and carts, peering out to watch what would unfold. Even in a city that had seen countless miracles and disasters, this sight was something new. 0

Ketal, meanwhile, was unruffled.0

“Ferderica?” he murmured to himself, the name sounding familiar. He thought back, searching his memories. It came to him suddenly, a conversation...0