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Kayer's eyes remained fixed on the sole green rose nestled in his hand as he strode quietly through the dimly lit corridors leading to his quarters.
The soft flicker of lanterns lining the hall cast long shadows against the stone walls, and the cool winter air seeped faintly through the cracks, carrying the distant scent of snow.
The palace felt hushed, as though the festivities from earlier in the evening had finally lulled into peaceful slumber.
As he approached his door, a subtle movement caught his attention. A figure, draped in a dark cloak, stood just a few paces ahead.
The man shifted awkwardly, as if deciding whether to continue forward or retreat the way he came.
Their eyes briefly met, and the moment hung in silence.
The man flinched, stepping to the side to avoid crossing paths, but Kayer's gaze lingered on the distinctive half-mask covering the lower half of the stranger's face.
