---
Fowad's hand froze mid reach for the artifact as the knock echoed through his room.
It wasn't forceful, but there was urgency in the rhythm, as though whoever stood outside couldn't wait a second longer.
His sharp instincts stirred to attention, and his gaze flickered to the doorway.
"Fowad, are you awake? I found something."
It was Helena's voice.
Fowad sighed, a mixture of relief and curiosity crossing his features.
Foxy stirred at his feet, her ears twitching, while Zoom stopped pacing and fixed its glowing eyes on the door.
"I'm awake," Fowad called back. He rose quickly, moving to unlock the door. "What is it?"
Helena stepped inside, her falcon perched on her shoulder, its sharp golden eyes darting around as though expecting an ambush.
Her expression was tense, lit only by the soft glow of the moon filtering through the window. Fowad noticed the scroll clutched tightly in her hands.
