Lucan sat alone in his dimly lit room, the silence interrupted only by the occasional crackling of the fireplace. He glanced at his reflection in the window, deep in thought. A soft knock on the door pulled him from his reverie. He stood up and moved to open it, finding a messenger standing there, holding a sealed letter.
"From Julia, sir," the messenger said quietly, offering the letter before bowing and stepping away.
Lucan broke the seal, his fingers steady as he unfolded the parchment. His eyes scanned the contents rapidly, but the more he read, the more his heart sank.
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Lucan,
I'm writing to inform you that Hima and Olive were gravely injured during the recent battle. Hima has lost her legs, and Olive's face and chest were melted beyond recognition due to a powerful acid attack. They are both alive but in dire condition. Please meet them.
—Julia
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