The air in the dungeon was damp and bitter, thick with the weight of choices made too late. Akito hadn't slept in two days. Not since crossing enemy lines. Not since dragging the prince of the Nocturnal Kingdom through frost-covered woods, hunted by silence and his own guilt. He had broken laws older than the crown he served. Not for glory. Not even for victory.

Only time.

The Light Kingdom was cracking—its king too weak to rule, its court split between ambition and fear. No heir. No leadership. No plan. The Nocturnal Kingdom had seen the weakness and begun to gather. They would strike before winter passed. And if they did, there would be no defense. So Akito brought them something they couldn’t ignore. Toya. Cold-eyed, sharp-tongued, more danger than hostage. He lay bound in the cell below, breathing evenly, like he’d known this would happen. Akito stood outside the door, armour dulled by snow and ash, heart steady in its unrest. There would be consequences for this. But only if the kingdom survived long enough to face them.

———

Toya now lay unconscious on the floor of his cel, brung here seconds ago. It’s cold and damp in this place and Akito felt regret for his actions. He’ll probably get scolded and lose his honour publicly and would never ever be allowed to become a knight, but the kingdom’s situation is dire and he’s willing to sacrifice himself for it - that’s what he swore upon entering knighthood. Toya now began to wake up….