After the chaos in court, Khan locked himself in his room for half a day. He refused to see anyone—not even Nea or the members of the Special Council dared to press him. Worry and tightness weighed on Khan's heart, because Malik wasn't just a cousin—he was a childhood playmate in the palace.
What made it hard to breathe was the fact that he was the one who had demanded his cousin's downfall. Regret began to bloom in his chest, nestled between the duties of a leader. But eventually, he realized he couldn't stay hidden—there was still a mission that needed finishing.
Meanwhile, Ren resumed his routine. His mysterious van was already parked along the golden palace wall of Samsara, shielded from the blazing sun and dry desert winds. The engine shut down, the van's automatic door slid open, and a burst of cool air touched his face.
