Shadows Beneath the Castle

Ilyrana paced the room, her bare feet whispering against the wooden floor as the oversized mage's robe she wore swept along behind her, the hem brushing the ground with every agitated step. Her eyes flicked to Luke, still unconscious on the cot, his face pale but peaceful. The elf couldn't still her restless heart, her thoughts weaving a web of anxiety and dread. She knew Thalion was watching her, his silent concern pressing against her like a weight, but she couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze.

"You're troubled," Thalion finally said, his voice calm but probing as he leaned against the counter, his arms crossed.

Ilyrana stopped mid-step and sighed.

"I need to return to my mother," she admitted, her voice laced with guilt. "Mother... the war must be weighing heavily on her. She needs support, especially with her father still... still not waking up. She's carrying too much on her shoulders."

Thalion nodded, his eyes softening.