Chapter 54: Pursuit of The Missing Dr. Alaric Ardent

The urgency of the situation filled the royal chambers as the guards stormed in, their armor clinking with each determined step. Breathless and with an air of concern, they reported to Queen Isolde.

"Your Majesty, Dr. Alaric Ardent cannot be found within the palace grounds," one of the guards relayed, his voice edged with tension.

Queen Isolde's countenance darkened with anger. "Immediately, have every available hand search for him. I want every corner of this palace turned upside down until he's found."

As the guards rushed to carry out the queen's orders, Kael, Emily, Orion, Leo, Sebastian, and Adrian stepped forward. Kael addressed the queen with a determined gaze. "Your Majesty, we'll assist in the search outside the palace walls. We can cover more ground that way."

Sebastian nodded in agreement. "We'll find him, Mother. Adrian and I will make sure of it."

Adrian, with a swift and almost ethereal motion, summoned his magic. His robe disappeared, replaced by a cloak that draped around him. "We'll be discreet, but swift," he assured, his voice carrying the weight of experience.

Queen Isolde, torn between worry and determination, spoke with a mother's caution. "Be careful, all of you. Dr. Ardent's actions are shrouded in mystery, and I fear we've only glimpsed the shadows that conceal his true intentions."

With the queen's blessing and a shared sense of purpose, Kael's group, along with Sebastian and the enigmatic Adrian, embarked on the pursuit beyond the palace walls, ready to uncover the secrets veiled in the unfolding darkness.