A sharp knock sounded at the door, breaking the heavy silence. Luke's thoughts are scattered as a voice is called from the other side, distinctly belonging to Malena.
"Mayor Valen, please open the door. It's urgent."
Luke froze, tension shooting up his spine. He had no doubt she was talking about him.
Mayor Valen glanced at him, his expression unreadable, then back at the door.
"And what's this about, Malena?" he asked, voice steady.
"Mayor, it's about a certain lunatic trying to reach you. It seems he's bent on causing trouble," Malena's voice filtered through, laced with irritation and anxiety.
Before Mayor Valen could respond, the door creaked open, and Malena's eyes landed squarely on Luke. Surprise flaring in her gaze, she froze, quickly replaced by fury and alarm.
"Guards!" she cried, retreating as a couple of guards responded to her shout, pushing past her and stepping inside.
