Unnamed

As they entered the city, Stella was greeted by familiar faces - the guards at the palace gates. They exchanged warm smiles, and one of them asked, "Hey, Stella! How have you been? We haven't seen you since you left with Clever. Are you back for good?"

Stella's response was guarded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not yet. I'm just here to retrieve something. I'll return with Clever soon."

The guards nodded, their curiosity piqued, but they didn't pry further. "Enjoy your visit, Stella," they said with a friendly wave.

Clever's father, oblivious to the brief exchange, continued walking alongside Stella. She quickened her pace, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of caution and urgency.

"Let's move quickly, commander," Stella whispered, her gaze darting around the crowded streets.

Clever's father signaled for Stella to halt, and they stood before a nondescript building. "Here's our first destination," he whispered, ushering her inside.

Upon entering, Stella's gaze fell upon a man seated across the room, immersed in a book. Clever's father approached him, a warm smile on his face. "My old friend, it's been far too long. I've brought Stella."

The man looked up, his eyes crinkling with delight. "Ah, welcome! Please, sit with me."

As they sat, Stella took in the cozy atmosphere. The room was lined with shelves, filled with ancient tomes and curious artifacts. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and leather.

Stella stood and went to the corner, observing the conversation between the older individuals. The man's gaze suddenly shifted towards her, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Ah, no one remembers the old days anymore," he said, his voice carrying across the room. "Most people your age don't even know to stand in the corner when the elders talk. Who are you, young lady?"

Stella's eyes met the man's, and she hesitated for a moment before responding. "I'm Stella, sir

Clever's father coughed, poised to reveal Stella's identity, but she discreetly signaled him to refrain. Instead, she said, "Thank you, sir."

Clever's father continued, his tone firm but polite, "She's with me, and I've come to inform you that there's a meeting scheduled, which we must attend immediately."

The man's expression turned inquiring, but he nodded curtly, . "Very well, let us proceed. I assume it's a matter of importance?"

Stella and Clever's father exchanged a brief glance before following the man, the conversation suspended for the moment, as they headed towards their destination.

As they walked, Clever's father said, "We must part ways for now to reach our destinations on time. Stella, I need you to go call some of the council member. Please go to this address and tell him I sent you. We'll meet back here with the others."

He handed her a piece of paper with an address scribbled on it. "Tell them we'll be arriving shortly. I'll go call some others . Let's meet back here in 30 minutes and proceed together."

Stella nodded, taking the paper, and turned to head in the opposite direction. Clever's father watched her go before turning to make his own call, his expression focused on the task at hand.

Stella approached the building, her eyes fixed on the address . She stood cautious, her breath coming in short gasps, as she whispered to herself, "This is the place."

Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and pushed open the door, stepping inside. The dimly lit interior enveloped her, a stark contrast to the bright sunlight she had left behind. Stella's eyes adjusted slowly, her gaze scanning the unfamiliar surroundings with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.

She moved cautiously, her footsteps echoing off the walls, as she ventured deeper into the building. The air was thick with an air of mystery, and Stella's senses were on high alert, her mind racing with possibilities. What would she find here? Who would she meet? And what lay ahead?

As Stella ventured deeper into the building, a lady's voice suddenly pierced the air, "What are you doing here?" Stella turned to face her, composed, and replied, "I've been sent to summon you for an immediate meeting by Commander ."

The lady's expression turned skeptical, "How can I be sure you're not lying?" Stella handed her the paper with Clever's father's handwritten address, "Here's his note, proof of my mission."

The lady scrutinized the paper, her eyes narrowing as she examined the handwriting. After a moment, she nodded, "It's his, alright. Where is he now?" Stella replied, "They're waiting for us. We must proceed immediately."

The lady's demeanor shifted from suspicion to urgency, "Very well, let's go." With a swift gesture, she led Stella through the building, their footsteps echoing in unison as they hastened towards their destination.