47: Caught in the act

Elias sat on the windowsill, peering down at the courtyard below. The ghost that had led him to Prince Aedric's chambers floated beside him, her spectral form shimmering faintly in the moonlight.

"It's clear," the ghost whispered, her voice soft like a breeze. "The guards are patrolling the eastern wing. If you move now, you won't be seen."

Elias nodded, his heart still racing from the events of the night. "Thank you," he murmured. "I owe you."

The ghost gave him a serene smile before fading into the air.

Elias glanced back at Prince Aedric one last time. The prince was finally resting peacefully, his breathing steady and his face no longer twisted in pain. Elias felt a pang of guilt as he remembered Aedric's fevered words—"Don't leave. I need you."

Shaking his head, Elias whispered, "You'll be fine." He gently pried Aedric's hand off his wrist, but it wasn't as easy as he expected.