They continued down busy corridors flanked by their two guards until, eventually, they arrived at a reception desk.
The woman behind it dropped her news paper and lazily slid paperwork across the counter, followed by two worn sacks—the same belongings confiscated upon their arrival.
Joseph checked the contents carefully, making sure nothing was missing or out of place. Satisfied, he gave a curt bow to the receptionist before following the guards and Rayah toward a large flight of stairs.
The climb felt seemingly endless. At the top, they entered a chamber that opened into a vast space.
A stone gate dominated the far wall. Runes carved into its surface caught the gaslight and seemed to shimmer.
Joseph took a step forward.
But before he could approach it, a voice cut through the air.
"One moment, please."
