After a while, they finally pulled away from the embrace, though a trace of warmth lingered between them. Lumberling studied her face, noticing the fatigue etched into her eyes, and asked gently,
"Where's Skitz?"
"He's guarding the prison where Kairo is kept," Liraeth answered. Her voice steadied, though worry lingered beneath it. "He said something unusual might happen, so he went there himself."
Lumberling nodded, thoughtful. "I see. Then I should speak with him directly." His tone softened as he rested a hand briefly on her shoulder. "Get some rest, Liraeth. You've done enough for now."
She looked as though she wanted to protest, but in the end, she only gave him a small nod. "Be careful down there."
"I will," he assured her with a faint smile.
Turning away, he started down the narrow passage leading into the depths of the underground prison. The air grew colder with each step, heavy with dampness.
