Mikael's voice was cold and commanding. "You failed to capture Gates, but you've given me valuable information. Now, he must be dealt with. Find him. Dead or alive."
The two figures nodded quickly, fear evident in their eyes, and hurried out of the room.
Back at Elara's residence, Yusuf knocked on the door in a specific pattern. After a moment, it creaked open to reveal a middle-aged woman with sharp, intelligent eyes.
"Yusuf," she greeted, her eyes shifting to Gates and the others. "And this must be your companions. Come in, quickly."
Inside, the house was cluttered with books, scrolls, and various magical artifacts. Elara led them to a small sitting area.
"You look like you've been through hell," Elara said, gesturing for them to sit. "What brings you here so urgently? You weren't one for being in a group."
