The oppressive silence in the forest remained, a suffocating reminder of the confrontation that had taken place as Lyle's heart pounded in his chest as if it was trying to escape while the words of the Empress and the sage rang in his ears. The echo of their silent clash was still present in the air, and he was simply unable to shake the feeling of suppression and hopelessness that had taken over him.
The Empress's presence, even when fading, was still heavily pressing on Lyle's mind as he knew that her command was final. He was given two months to return to the Empire, a daunting task that he knew he could accomplish if he and the others truly put all of their focus on it, but he was unsure whether or not he wanted that.
Two months.
Traveling, making use of their time as effectively as they could.
That was enough to reach the Empire.
