SCHEMES AND HIDDEN PLANS

The night was cool, and the faint sounds of chatter from other pavilions echoed through the air as Kaelen approached the entrance to the Soaring Dragons Pavilion. Before he could step inside, he noticed a familiar figure walking toward him from the dimly lit path.

It was Morris Grey, his shoulders hunched, his steps slow, and his expression unusually downcast. The confident and composed demeanor Morris usually carried was nowhere to be seen.

Concerned, Kaelen stepped forward and asked softly. "Morris? What's wrong? You don't look like yourself."

Morris looked up at Kaelen, his yellow eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and sadness. He let out a heavy sigh before responding. "It's Sofia…"

Kaelen frowned, sensing the weight behind the name. Sofia was someone Kaelen had seen with Morris often, and it was clear she was important to him. "What about her? Did something happen?"