The messenger's words hung in the air, piercing through the celebratory atmosphere like a chilling gust of wind. Aurora's gaze locked with the messenger's, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. She knew that she couldn't ignore this revelation; it was a crucial piece of the puzzle that demanded her immediate attention.
Without uttering a word, Aurora gestured for her trusted companions to follow as she strode purposefully through the castle corridors. The anticipation grew with each step, a sense of trepidation mingling with the determination that burned within her.
They reached a seemingly inconspicuous corridor, lined with tapestries and adorned with portraits of long-forgotten ancestors. The messenger stopped before a particular tapestry, its threads depicting a serene landscape. With a slight hesitation, the messenger pulled on a hidden lever, and the tapestry swung open, revealing a concealed entrance.
