As Duncan and Emel continued their investigation, they couldn't shake off the feeling that they were getting closer to the truth. But they still had no concrete evidence to prove that Elara was the traitor.
Duncan decided to pay a visit to Elara, to see if he could gather any more information. Emel offered to come with him, but Duncan declined. He wanted to approach Elara alone, to see if he could get her to open up.
As he arrived at Elara's chambers, Duncan couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. What if Emel was right? What if Elara was the traitor?
He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Elara answered, a look of surprise on her face.
"Duncan, what brings you here?" she asked.
Duncan smiled, trying to appear nonchalant. "I just wanted to talk to you about something," he said. "Can I come in?"
Elara nodded, stepping aside to let Duncan enter.
As they sat down, Duncan noticed a strange look on Elara's face. It was a look of... guilt?
"Elara, is everything okay?" Duncan asked, his eyes narrowing.
Elara hesitated, her eyes darting back and forth. "Yes, everything's fine," she said. "Why do you ask?"
Duncan leaned forward, his eyes locked on Elara's. "I've been hearing some rumors," he said. "Rumors that you might be working with Rectale."
Elara's eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, Duncan thought he saw a flash of fear.
"That's ridiculous," Elara said, her voice shaking. "I would never work with Rectale."
Duncan's eyes narrowed. He wasn't sure if he believed Elara.
Just as he was about to press her further, there was a knock at the door. It was Lyra.
"Ah, Lyra," Elara said, a look of relief on her face. "I'm so glad you're here."
Lyra smiled, her eyes locked on Duncan's. "I see you're having a conversation," she said. "Am I interrupting?"
Duncan shook his head, his eyes never leaving Lyra's face. "No, you're not interrupting," he said.
Lyra smiled again, and Duncan couldn't help but notice the way her eyes sparkled in the light.
As they talked, Duncan realized that Lyra was acting strangely. She seemed... nervous.
And then, it hit him. Lyra had feelings for him.
Duncan's eyes widened in surprise as he realized the truth. Lyra, the mysterious teenage girl who had been helping him on his quest, had feelings for him.
But what about his feelings for her? Duncan wasn't sure. He had been so focused on his quest, on uncovering the truth about Rectale and the traitor, that he hadn't had time to think about his feelings.
As they continued to talk, Duncan found himself stealing glances at Lyra. He couldn't help but notice the way her hair fell in soft waves down her back, the way her eyes sparkled in the light.
And Lyra, sensing his gaze, turned to him and smiled.
Duncan's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. He felt a jolt of electricity run through his body, and he knew that he had to be careful.
He couldn't let his feelings for Lyra cloud his judgment. He had to stay focused on his quest, on uncovering the truth.
But as he looked into Lyra's eyes, Duncan knew that it wouldn't be easy.
He was falling for her, hard.
And he wasn't sure if he could stop himself.