As they ventured deeper into the palace, the air grew heavier, the oppressive quiet amplifying the sound of their footsteps. Irithiel took the lead, occasionally pausing to push open massive double doors or unlock smaller, reinforced ones with a deft touch. Each time she did, Luke couldn't help but note the intricate mechanisms behind them—cleverly disguised as ornamentation but designed for defence. The layers of security were impressive, even to Luke, who had become quite the connoisseur of locks and barriers during his less-than-lawful escapades back in Nateron.