Nicholas hunched over ancient maps spread across tables in the Lionhart Estate's strategic command center. Three days had passed since Klaus's abduction, each hour marked by feverish research into possible sanctuary locations. Dark circles beneath his eyes betrayed minimal sleep, yet his focus remained razor-sharp as he correlated astronomical charts with pre-imperial historical records.
"Narrow the search parameters," he instructed two Lionhart archivists who had been assigned to assist him. "Cross-reference sites with these celestial alignment markers specifically. The sanctuary must provide unobstructed observation of the Seven Sisters constellation at midnight, four days from now."
The archivists worked with efficient precision, their decades of experience temporarily setting aside questions about taking direction from someone young enough to be their grandchild. Results mattered more than protocol when facing potential catastrophe.
