Whiterock City

> Lenkas Pov

Seated in a red leather armchair, I observed the woman before me. She exuded an air of nobility and profound wisdom, her black gown adding to her imposing presence.

Our eyes locked briefly as she began to speak, her tone condescending and stern.

"It's disheartening to witness such a situation unfold under your watch, Lenkas."

Her words cut through the air like a blade. I swallowed uneasily, feeling the weight of her displeasure.

"Lady Amber, I understand the gravity of the situation, and I offer my sincerest apologies for my failure."

Amber remained silent, her expression unyielding. I knew better than to challenge her authority openly.

"You'd be nothing without the support of your father. It's his influence that inflates your sense of self-importance."

I thought of those words but dared not utter them aloud. I knew that if I uttered those words, my future would be bleak and short-lived. I am not a fool, and I have lived enough to know what to say and what not to say at all.

"Our investigations indicate an explosion occurred in the northern sector of the prison, where it opens up to Whiterock Forest. Preliminary assessments and our experts' findings suggest the explosion might be of magical origin."

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"A wizard?" Amber's surprise was evident in her pause, her fingers idly playing with her raven-black hair.

"Yes, Lady Amber. We have strong reason to believe it might be a wizard. The scale of the explosion indicates it couldn't have been caused by any conventional weapon or object."

Amber rubbed her temples wearily and questioned, "Why would a real wizard target Grimrock Prison and resort to such methods?"

I shared her bewilderment but understood one undeniable truth.

"As you're aware, Lady Amber, most magicians are enigmatic, gifted individuals often marked by eccentric behavior. While we're attempting to discern a motive for this incident, we might be dealing with a capricious wizard who simply acted on impulse."

Amber listened thoughtfully, then rose from her seat. She adjusted her gown before speaking with a cool, measured tone.

"I wish to peruse a portion of the prisoner list. It's prudent to ascertain if there's a particular individual the wizard might have been intent on rescuing."

I agreed with her assessment. The involvement of a wizard raised the stakes considerably.

"Certainly, Lady Amber. I shall promptly provide you with a segment of the prisoner list."

Amber offered a faint smile and prepared to leave the room. However, she hesitated for a moment, her voice returning to its icy composure.

"In a few weeks, Lord Felgar, the Leader of Winterkeep City in the North, will visit Whiterock City. I'm uncertain of his precise agenda, but crucial political matters are anticipated. Exercise caution, Lenkas."

I refrained from responding, merely nodding in acknowledgment. Once Amber exited and the door clicked shut behind her, I released my pent-up frustration.

"I despise having to endure their condescension and threats, these damn bastards who owe their position solely to their fathers' influence."

I poured myself a glass of wine, seeking solace in its soothing embrace. I took a sip, allowing the liquid to calm my nerves as I closed my eyes, trying to find a moment of relaxation amid the mounting pressure.

The events unfolding around me had plunged me into a maelstrom of stress, and the impending political machinations only added to the weight on my shoulders.

"Have faith in yourself, Lenkas. You've surmounted numerous challenges before, and you'll navigate your way out of this as well,"

I thought, draining the entire glass of wine in one decisive gulp.