Scent of Betrayal

Bastian's POV

The putrid stench of rogue blood spattered across my temporary halls stubbornly lingered. Maids rushed through the corridors, burning bundles of sage in iron braziers. They scrubbed the stone until their hands bled, yet nothing masked the bitter, metallic scent of betrayal seared deep into the stonework.

I stood at the head of the long oak table in the dimly lit war room. Unfurled