Aisha's nerves were at their breaking point as she watched Cassius go through the mountain of pages, one by one, each turn of the wind sending another sheet fluttering past.
Her guts twisted in knots—she couldn't tell if she should be terrified that she was about to lose the bet, or secretly relieved that if she did lose, it meant they would finally have a way inside the cult's barrier.
Her emotions were a chaotic swirl of tension and anticipation, and all she could do was watch, her hands gripping her robes tightly as Cassius's glowing eyes flickered from line to line.
This silent ritual went on for what felt like hours even though it was just a few minutes.
Then—finally—the last page turned.
The winds died down, and the books slowly began to close one after another, as though obeying an unseen command.
Cassius inhaled deeply, exhaling a long, steady breath before murmuring.
"Alright...that should be good enough."
Skadi immediately perked up, practically bouncing.
