THE HIDDEN CROWN

Chapter 64

Victor turned away from the window, steeling himself for the coming days. His eyes shifted toward the ancient map on the table, the glowing ley lines that marked where power still lingered in the city. These places would become battlegrounds soon, and he had to be prepared for whatever came next.

Julian appeared at his side, his usual smirk replaced by a rare look of concern. "You're really expecting all hell to break loose, aren't you?"

Victor didn’t respond immediately, his eyes tracing the symbols on the map. "We've spent centuries keeping the balance. Keeping the ancient ones at bay. But the Harbinger was a signal—a sign that the old wars are starting again. They’ll come for us."

Julian frowned, rubbing his temple. "And the covens? You think they’ll really help us out of the goodness of their hearts?"

Victor smiled darkly. "The covens only care about survival. We just need to convince them that allying with us is their best chance."

Julian crossed his arms, glancing over at the ex