Drystan felt a pang of sympathy for Sadiki. Lingering love and concern tugged at him, though his loyalty to Zephyros and the weight of Sadiki's betrayal, which had nearly cost Eirik his life, held him back.
Knowing Sadiki will now be locked up in the dungeons stirred a tangled mix of emotions, guilt, regret, and reluctant empathy.
Drystan shook his head, forcing the thoughts aside, and turned to the men under his command. "Stay close and remain vigilant. We can't assume safety just because we're within our own borders."
Meanwhile, outside the healing chamber, Kaelix remained standing, his hand pressed firmly against the closed door, every sense tuned to the faint sounds beyond it.
The world around him had shrunk, leaving only the fragile thread of hope that Eirik would be alright.
A light touch on his shoulder drew him from his thoughts, and he turned to see Lucian standing beside him, his expression steady but etched with concern.
