Grave tidings (part 1)

On that same cold spring day, tension lingered in the air like an unresolved spell, as if brought by the unconscious warlock who was now miraculously healed in the knights' infirmary and left under the watchful gaze of Viscount Mathew and the Duke of Latora.

Despite having taken strict measures to protect Sasha, Adela's nerves were still on edge.

The number of knights surrounding Duchess von Conradie had multiplied, and her chambers had been fortified with enchanted artifacts as a last line of defense. But with none of that easing Adela's troubled mind, she had finally decided to stay by her friend's side until the warlock awakened, using dining together as an opportunity to stay close by.

"Is the food to your liking, Duke?" Adela asked.

"Oh, yes, thank you. Everything is wonderful."