Overthrow- The Demon Queen 1 Direct

Kaelen hesitated, then drank. The effect was immediate—a spreading numbness, a loosening of the knots in his joints. He straightened, almost sighing with relief. “Thank you.”

“Here,” the hooded figure whispered, pressing something into Kaelen’s hand. A small vial of liquid that glowed faintly blue. “For the pain. It will last long enough.” Overthrow- The Demon Queen 1

They had paid for it in blood. Literally. The merchant who had sold it to them had demanded a year off each of their lives. Kaelen had felt the weight settle into his lungs the moment he agreed—a heaviness, a promise of earlier twilight. Kaelen hesitated, then drank

“Tomorrow night,” Kaelen continued. “The queen hosts a feast for the remaining noble houses who still bend the knee. The palace will be drunk and distracted. We enter through the old cisterns, breach the lower kitchens, and ascend the servants’ stair. The throne room will be guarded, but not heavily—she believes no one is left to challenge her.” “Thank you