The journey back to the capital was tense. Corliss rode ahead, the sealed letter from Lord Alistair tucked securely in her satchel. The ambush had exposed his rebellious intentions, but the full extent of his plans remained unclear.
Arteja rode beside Lirael, her thoughts churning. She replayed the fight in her mind, analyzing every movement, every decision. Though they had survived, she couldn't shake the feeling that they had only seen the beginning of something much larger.
"Are you all right?" Lirael asked, breaking the silence.
Arteja glanced at her, the silver mask hiding her expression. "I'm fine. Just… thinking."
"Don't dwell on it too much," Lirael said. "You did well back there. Better than most would on their second mission."
Arteja nodded, but she remained quiet. She appreciated Lirael's support, but she couldn't shake the weight of the lives she had taken. Killing wasn't new to her, but it wasn't something she wanted to grow numb to.
When they finally reached the capital, the city was alive with activity. Merchants called out from their stalls, children ran through the streets, and the towering spires of the palace loomed in the distance.
Corliss led the group straight to the palace, where they were debriefed by a stern-faced commander. He listened intently as Corliss recounted the events of the mission, his expression growing darker with every word.
"This confirms our suspicions," he said when she finished. "Lord Alistair has been undermining the empire's authority for months. His actions are a threat to the stability of the region."
"What will happen to him?" Arteja asked, speaking for the first time since their return.
The commander's gaze shifted to her, his eyes cold. "That is not for you to concern yourself with. Your duty is to follow orders, nothing more."
Arteja lowered her head, her hands clenched at her sides. She had done her duty, but the reality of imperial politics left a bitter taste in her mouth.
As the team was dismissed, Lirael placed a hand on Arteja's shoulder. "Don't let it get to you. We're just pieces on the board, remember?"
Arteja nodded, but her mind was already racing. The mission had shown her the cracks in the empire's foundation, and she couldn't ignore the growing sense of unease in her chest.