The flames of the hearth flickered weakly, casting shadows that danced across the walls of Lirael's study. Her frustration was palpable as she stared at the parchment before her, the ink still wet but the words already etched in her mind. Despite her best efforts, the Celestial Court's relentless games had left her boxed in, with every countermove seeming to spawn two new threats. She couldn't let them see her falter. Not now. Not ever.
With a resigned sigh, she called for her shadowmancer, a lithe figure who appeared from the darkened corner of the room as though born of the very shadows themselves. The shadowmancer bowed deeply, awaiting instructions.
"Take this," Lirael said, holding out the sealed letter. Her voice was firm, but a trace of urgency threaded through her words. "Ensure it reaches him swiftly and without incident."
