The footsteps echoed even before any voice.
They were firm. Rhythmic. Laden with authority.
Kael felt it first.
Not as murderous intent—not yet—but as presence.
A cold pressure that pierced the destroyed courtyard like an invisible blade, causing the Chaos within him to react reflexively, rising in alertness.
Irelia felt it too.
Her body stiffened immediately.
Adalric… only smiled more.
"Ah," murmured the Sword King. "You arrived quickly."
The footsteps stopped behind him.
A female voice sounded, clear, sharp, laden with contained impatience.
"Old man," she said. "What the hell happened here?"
Kael didn't see her yet.
But he knew that voice.
He knew the rhythm.
He knew the danger.
Adalric laughed, opening his arms theatrically.
"You arrived right in the middle of the show, Amelia."
She took another step forward, still with her view blocked by Adalric's broad back.
