Under countless gazes heavy with curiosity, greed, fear, and calculation, Eva and Ace moved, but they did not rush, nor did they hesitate.
Their figures cut through the tense air like blades drawn halfway from their sheaths. Whispers rippled across the Abyssal Plains, yet none dared to voice them too loudly.
This pair stood too close to the Dread Duchess, too calm beneath the Evernight Gate, too unfazed by the three Protector Envoys looming above like carved gods.
As they approached, the envoys did not stir, nor were any questions asked, nor was any intent demanded.
It was as if the decree had already been spoken once, and from this moment onward, the Gate no longer cared who entered or why. Whoever stepped forward would bear full responsibility for their own life and death.
Ace noticed it instantly, as the invisible scrutiny that had lingered earlier was gone, and the Gate no longer judged intent, for it judged existence.
