The following morning felt surreal, as if the world had been painted in shades of gray. The council's decision loomed over us like a storm cloud, ready to unleash its fury. I had barely slept, my mind racing with plans and contingencies while Sera's face haunted my thoughts, her expression etched with fear and anger. I knew we had to act quickly, but the question was: how?
After a hasty breakfast, I met Sera in my room. Her eyes were still red from crying, but the fire I had seen the night before was burning stronger within her. "We need to gather information," she said, her voice firm. "Find out who on the council might help us, who might sympathize with my situation."
I nodded, impressed by her determination. "I have an idea. There's a council aide named Elara—she's been with my mom for years. I think she has some sway with a few of the council members. If we can convince her to help us, it could buy us some time."
Sera's expression brightened, a flicker of hope igniting in her eyes. "Then let's find her. But how do we get to her without raising suspicion?"
I thought for a moment. "My mom usually has meetings with Elara in her office around noon. If we can time it right, we can slip in when she's not looking."
"Let's do it," Sera said, determination etched on her face.
We spent the morning gathering ourselves, both of us donning cloaks to blend into the shadows of the palace. It was strange to feel like fugitives in a place that had always been home. The marble halls, adorned with banners and portraits of ancestors, felt like a maze now—one where we were being hunted.
As we approached my mom's office, I felt my heart race. What if Elara refused to help? What if she reported us to the council? We couldn't afford to be caught. I glanced at Sera, her expression a mix of anxiety and resolve. We had to take this chance.
We paused outside the office door, the muffled sounds of voices echoing from within. I took a deep breath and turned the handle just enough to peek inside. Elara was there, seated at the small table, a pile of documents scattered around her, her brow furrowed in concentration.
"Now!" I whispered to Sera, and we slipped inside, closing the door softly behind us.
Elara looked up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Gwen? Sera? What are you doing here?"
"We need your help," I said, my voice urgent. "It's about the arrest warrant for Sera. The council is going to lock her up, and we can't let that happen."
Elara's expression shifted, concern replacing her initial shock. "You shouldn't be here. This is dangerous."
"I know, but we have to act," Sera interjected, her voice steady. "I didn't do anything wrong, and the council is going to destroy my life for it. You know I'm innocent, Elara."
Elara looked between us, weighing her options. "The council is on high alert right now, especially with Dragonir's condition. They'll see any attempt to intervene as a direct challenge to their authority."
"We understand the risks," I said. "But we have to find a way to buy Sera more time. If we can get to the council before they make a decision, maybe we can sway them."
Elara sighed, clearly torn. "I can try to speak with a few members who might be sympathetic, but it won't be easy. They're all looking for someone to blame, and right now, Sera fits the bill. If they catch wind of this, it could jeopardize my position."
"Then we'll be careful," Sera promised, her determination unwavering. "I won't let you down, Elara. I just need a chance to prove I'm not a threat."
After a moment's hesitation, Elara nodded slowly. "Okay, I'll do what I can. But you both need to stay out of sight. The last thing we need is for anyone to see you here."
We spent the next few minutes strategizing, outlining our options and discussing who might be the most likely to listen. Elara promised to arrange a meeting with two council members who were known to be more progressive, those who had occasionally questioned the council's more stringent decisions.
As we prepared to leave, I felt a surge of hope. We were gathering allies, slowly but surely. Elara was a key player, and if we could convince her colleagues, we might just have a chance.
Once outside the office, Sera turned to me, her eyes glimmering with a mixture of hope and fear. "Do you think it'll work?"
"I don't know," I admitted. "But it's better than doing nothing. We'll keep pushing forward. Together, we can fight this."
"Together," she echoed, a small smile breaking through the weight of the situation.
The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the palace courtyard as we made our way back to my room. We were still facing a daunting challenge, but we wouldn't back down. Not now, not ever.
As we entered my room, a sense of urgency filled the air. I knew the council would meet again soon, and we had to be ready. Whatever it took, we were going to fight for Sera. I just hoped it would be enough.