The Edge of Control

The scratch of Beli's tools faded into the distance as Seisyll departed, leaving the underground chamber in silence. Above, the mansion's halls stretched on, dimly lit, the weight of water pressing around them in unseen currents. Life continued quietly, with whispers behind closed doors and the occasional flicker of candlelight, but in this place, some silences lingered longer than they should.

Melite had been searching for an opening. She hadn't planned this moment, but now that it was here, she couldn't walk away from it.

Fedlimid stood at the edge of the training hall, methodically wrapping his hands. His posture was relaxed, almost indifferent, yet there was a stillness to him that she had learned to recognize, one that suggested he was listening even if he didn't want to be.

She took a breath, steadying herself.

"You know..." Melite began, her voice measured but light. "We did pretty well down there."