The Crown of Thorns and Roses

: The Roya

the West Wing, then the servants' quarters, their progress marked by the defeated forms of Theron's guards and the growing stench of smoke and steel. Elara moved with the relentless energy of a storm, her dual d

ensuring no enemy could outmaneuver them. "They're pouring reinforcements into the central court

arded route through the old archives, beneath the main hall. It will bring you directly to the base of the throne ro

s exhausting, every muscle screaming, but the image of Oakhaven burning, of her parents fa

hrone room, ordering his dwindling personal guard to barricade the doors. He paced frantically, his face pale, his jeweled robes dishev

hey even managed to get through, spoke of overwhelming numbers and the chilling efficiency of 'The Forest Ghost.' Theron's once-

s detailed palace schematics, she directed rebel teams to cut off key reinforcement routes, creating choke points and diversions. She also used her burgeoning subtle influence, ex

section of the ceiling collapsed, sending down a shower of rubble and dust, temporarily blocking their path. "Ambush!" Kaelen yelled, pu

their advance. The king still had loyal, intelligent minds working for him. The fight was far from over. Elara and Kaelen fought back-to-back, their combined skill an