Viana moved swiftly through the palace corridors, her cloak damp from the mist outside, the familiar scent of polished wood and burning lantern oil wrapping around her like an old memory.
The journey had been long, exhausting, and filled with more danger than she cared to recount in one breath. She had fought, planned, and survived.
Now, all she wanted was a moment—just one—to forget it all.
Joel and Reyes walked beside her, their boots silent against the marble floors, their presence steady but unspoken. Torren's mercenaries remained behind, blending into the shadows near the servant's wing, ensuring they would not draw unnecessary attention.
Shane had already disappeared into the city, slipping effortlessly between streets and alleyways, gathering whatever whispers might prove useful later.
For now, privacy was all Viana sought.
