At the crack of dawn, within the grandeur of West Lucozia Castle's central hall, Rufus draped himself in a robe adorned with the sinuous coils of a serpent.

The stoic captain of the royal guard was seated at the epicenter with his left guarded by Jaxon. And on his right stood Albert, a figure more known as the Executioner than by his given name.

The harsh brilliance of overhead lights illuminated Rufus as he meticulously sifted through the abundance of letters strewn across the table.

Each