The sun had barely risen when Judith arrived at Jacinta's room, still tying the last ribbon on her tunic. Joaquin trailed behind, adjusting the sword belt strapped around his waist. Both of them looked tired from their morning drills, sweat still glistening along their brows.
Jacinta sat by the long window seat, brushing through reports while sipping cooled herbal tea. Judea stood silently nearby, arms crossed, as if shielding her twin from an unseen storm.
"They're here," Judea said.
Jacinta glanced up and nodded. "Good. Sit. We have little time and much to discuss."
Judith took her seat at the table, eyes narrowing at the unopened scrolls scattered on the table. Joaquin remained standing, his gaze more focused on Jacinta than the documents.
"George and Carlos have agreed to the initial Sharinga distribution plans," Jacinta began, voice crisp and level. "But our focus today is the situation in Bryall—specifically, the village leaders surrounding the eastern corridor."
