Lila's Perspective, a few hours earlier...
Lila watched Elio as he spoke, her heart teetering between admiration and guilt. Her golden salamander, sensing her inner turmoil, nestled closer to her neck, its scales flickering between warm hues.
Every word Elio uttered, every gesture of genuine concern for the city and its people, only intensified her internal conflict.
'He's so good,' Lila thought, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. 'So worried about all of us. How can he shoulder so much and still find time to care about my family?'
Elio continued explaining the problems facing the city, his brow furrowed with concern.
Lila found herself wanting to reach out and smooth those lines of tension, to offer some kind of solace. Her salamander chirped softly, as if encouraging her to act on the impulse.
'No, Lila, focus,' she chided herself. 'Remember why you're here. Remember your mission.'
