Luke and Shesha slipped through the grand gates of the Imperial Palace, the tension of their escape dissipating as the familiar surroundings enveloped them. The palace's towering spires glistened under the fading light, a beacon of authority and splendour. As they entered, Luke couldn't help but glance at Shesha, a triumphant grin on his face.
"That went better than expected," he said, his voice light with relief.
Shesha gave a small nod, her demeanour calm as always, but there was a flicker of pride in her expression.
"For now, yes. But we should report what we found quickly before anything changes."
The two made their way to Ilyrana's chamber, where the elf was seated by the window, her silhouette framed against the twilight sky. She turned at their arrival, her emerald eyes immediately scanning them for any sign of injury or trouble.
"You're back," she said, her tone even but carrying a hint of concern. "What happened?"
