My expression turned serious, and I gave a firm nod.
I hadn't expected the Holts to come with that much firepower. It caught me off guard.
I turned to Edgar and asked, "I'm guessing they won't show their true identities, right?"
He shook his head slowly. "No. They'll pretend to be a group of assassins or mercenaries."
My brows drew together in concern. "But to think they could send someone at Arkas-level strength for a mission like this… How powerful are the Holts really?"
Edgar let out a short laugh, but there was no humor in it.
"They're strong, no doubt about it. But there's still a small gap between them and the royal family. The real problem is the outside support they're getting—from enemies who want to see the Rayleighs fall."
I nodded as the pieces started coming together in my mind.
Edgar stepped forward and said, "Give me your hand."
I held it out without hesitation.