Night fell, and with it, Manoban came. They didn't speak much, their quiet understanding passing between them in glances and touches.
They spent the entire night together, and in the morning, Manoban left. The whole day went by as if nothing had happened. Ray, Manoban, Belar, and her parents all went about their business, but beneath the surface, they were all simply waiting for one thing: the feudal lord's visit.
Meanwhile, inside the city lord's extravagant mansion, a very different kind of meeting was taking place. The city lord wasn't alone. He was surrounded by a few of his most trusted subordinates.
The city lord leaned forward, his hands steepled on the table. "Is everything ready?" he asked, a cruel smile playing on his lips.
