Amelia left with the clothes for Lyra and Adrix. I closed my eyes, taking a single, deep breath and clinging to the fragile hope that everything was proceeding as planned. A silent hope followed: They’ll be fine. But it felt thin. Their capability was not in question; their survival, however, depended on remaining unseen.

The quiet of my room became a cage, and I began to pace. Muffled footsteps from next door broke my rhythm. They were awake. The thought struck me with urgency: Lyra would need to change, and I needed to provide a distraction. Amelia would be well on her way to Dolion by now; the library was my own stage.

In the hallway, I heard soft laughter from their room. A happy couple, I mused, or at least, he was fiercely protective. As I continued toward the library, I noticed the atmosphere in the castle had shifted. Even the maids I passed held their tongues, their usual whispers and scoffs replaced by a tense self-containment. Dolion’s presence had cast a cloud over everyone.

I eased the heavy library door open. The familiar scent of old paper and leather immediately filled my senses, doing its work to soothe the frantic knot in my stomach. I wandered the stacks, gathering a small pile of books before settling at a remote table. I lost myself in the words, and when I finally looked up, crimson light was spilling through the high windows. The sun was setting. I had lost the entire day.

I need to get back.

I hurried to my room and, once inside, knocked on the connecting door. No answer. I pressed my ear to the wood. Silence. I knocked again, louder. Nothing.

“I’m coming in,” I said, my voice thin in the sudden quiet. I turned the handle and pushed the door open. The room was empty. A spike of cold dread shot through me. Where were they? It was well past nightfall.

A sharp rap on my main door sent my heart plummeting. I pulled the connecting door shut, dashed to my desk, and snatched up a quill, arranging my face into a mask of placid study. Two more knocks, harder this time, and the door swung open without invitation.

“Oh, visitors!” My voice was a perfect imitation of surprise and delight. How lovely, I thought with dread. “To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”

I started to rise but nearly stumbled as a guard shoved Lyra and Adrix into the room before me. Terror was etched on both of their faces. What happened?

“Princess,” one of the guards said, his voice flat, bordering on insolent.

I kept the placid smile fixed on my face. “Yes, Captain? These are my people. They only just entered my service. Please, forgive any minor transgression they might have committed out of simple unfamiliarity with the castle.”

My eyes darted past him, landing on a maid I didn’t recognize. She radiated malice. As she stepped forward, I had to remind myself: Stay calm, Thalia. Her face was a stern, displeased mask.

“They were discovered roaming the corridors, Princess,” the maid announced, her voice sharp. “Long after they should have been in bed. Their excuse? That they were on an errand for you—to fetch ingredients from storage for a late-night snack.”

That must be the excuse they used, I realized, quickly composing myself. “Ah, yes. Indeed, that is so.” I let my voice drip with feigned remorse. “The fault is entirely mine, I fear. Such an inconvenient craving! I do extend my sincerest apologies if I’ve caused any… disturbance.” I bowed my head slightly, a perfect picture of contrition, letting her believe she had won.

“Very well,” the maid conceded, though her eyes remained as cold and sharp as ice. “But be advised, Princess. They should not be wandering without purpose. They might encounter individuals far less… understanding than myself.” The unspoken threat hung between us, thick and venomous.

Keeping my head bowed, I replied, “Of course. You have my deepest gratitude for your vigilance. I shall ensure they are better acquainted with the protocols.”

As I spoke, the guards were already untying the ropes around Lyra and Adrix’s wrists. They remained kneeling on the floor. Are they hurt? Or just too nervous to move? A tense silence stretched until, finally, the maid and her guards turned on their heels and departed. We didn’t move, remaining perfectly still and quiet until the last echo of their footsteps faded down the hall.

I didn’t need a repeat performance. I rushed to the door and slid the heavy bolt home. Only then did I let out a slow, shuddering breath, allowing the mask of the demure princess to fall away.

“It has been a remarkably long time since anyone dared to barge into my chambers with such audacity,” I murmured to the empty room. Well, besides Father when he summons me. My gaze softened as it fell upon Lyra and Adrix.

“Are you both alright?” I asked, my voice now laced with genuine concern as I studied them for any sign of injury.

They both nodded in unison as they finally rose to their feet. “We’re fine, Princess,” they replied, their voices low.

“Good,” I said, a wave of relief washing over me as I let out a long sigh. “Please, sit.” I gestured toward the chairs, but instead of taking my own, I perched on the edge of my desk, leaning toward them. My mind was racing. “Were you successful?”

“We were,” Adrix confirmed. The air beside him shimmered, and with a soft pop, the Elder’s Staff materialized in his hand. Its intricately carved wood, dark and ancient, seemed to drink the lamplight, while the glowing gem at its apex pulsed with a gentle, resonant energy.

My eyes widened. It’s even more beautiful than I imagined, I thought. The illustrations didn’t do it justice.

“Magnificent,” I breathed, my voice full of awe. “It truly is as the legends described. I am so profoundly glad it’s been recovered.”

I allowed myself another moment to admire it before forcing my attention back to the matter at hand. “Now that it’s in your possession, we must return you both to Noctis. Time is a luxury we no longer possess.” My gaze flickered between them. We have to keep moving. I don’t know how much longer Dolion has. “Unless, of course, you have further questions for me?”

Lyra immediately perked up. “What happens next?”

I paused, choosing my words carefully. I can’t share everything with them. Not yet. “The full plan is not yet ready to be unveiled,” I said calmly. “But know this: we are on the precipice of change. Amelia will make contact, or I shall reach out myself with explicit instructions. Soon.” I gave them a final, meaningful look. “If that is all for the present…” I hate to be rude, I thought, but there is no more time to waste.

My hand rose, and a shimmering, swirling portal opened in the air behind them. “Good luck, you two.”

They both stood. “And to you, Princess,” Adrix said with a respectful nod. He and Lyra turned and stepped through the portal without hesitation. It snapped shut behind them, plunging the room back into silence.

I’m glad they have the staff, I thought, a grim determination settling over me. That means everything is in place for when K’tthar returns.

Now, it’s my turn. I need to deal with the creatures in the dungeons as soon as Dolion passes… which should be any time now.