Ezra exited the library, her steps quickened with a sense of urgency. The impending council meeting weighed heavily on her mind, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of apprehension. She rounded a corner and almost collided with Wilford, a fellow mage she regarded with contempt.

Wilford's presence alone was enough to make Ezra's blood boil. They had been rivals for years, their interactions often brimming with tension and competition. As Wilford blocked her path, a sly grin played on his lips, aggravating Ezra further.

"What do you want, Wilford?" Ezra asked, her voice tinged with impatience as she tried to sidestep him.

But Wilford wasn't so easily deterred. He reached out and grabbed her hand, his touch sending a shiver of irritation down Ezra's spine. "I was just curious about your guest," he remarked casually, his tone laced with mischief.

Ezra's eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin. "Richard is none of your concern," she replied sharply, pulling her hand away from his grasp.

Wilford's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, but he's quite the curiosity, isn't he? A being of immense power, shrouded in mystery."

Ezra felt a surge of frustration bubbling within her. "Stay away from him, Wilford," she warned, her voice low and menacing. "He's not someone you want to toy with."

Wilford's expression shifted, his playful demeanor giving way to something more serious. "You think I don't know the risks?" he retorted, a hint of defiance in his tone. "I can sense the power emanating from him, just like everyone else. He's not just any ordinary visitor."

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Ezra's gaze hardened, her eyes locking onto his with unwavering intensity. "I mean it, Wilford," she said firmly. "Keep your distance from Richard, or you'll regret it."

With that, Ezra turned on her heel and continued down the corridor, her emotions in turmoil as she made her way to the council chamber. The encounter with Wilford had only served to heighten her sense of unease, leaving her wondering what other challenges lay ahead.

As Ezra approached the grand doors of the council chamber, her steps slowed, the weight of apprehension settling heavily upon her shoulders. The guards stationed at the entrance nodded respectfully as she neared, their solemn expressions adding to the gravity of the situation. With a deep breath, Ezra stepped forward, her hand trembling slightly as she reached for the ornate door handle.

Inside the chamber, Ezra found herself standing amidst the towering presence of the council members, each seated in their designated chairs, radiating authority and wisdom. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and Ezra couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous energy coursing through her veins.

Her gaze swept over the rows of high-backed chairs, lingering on the last seat where her former master, Lengel, sat. There was a subtle tension in the set of her shoulders as she observed him, a mixture of resentment and determination flickering in her eyes. Despite his attempts to undermine her in the past, Ezra refused to be intimidated by his presence.

Before she could dwell further on her thoughts, a familiar voice called out her name. Ezra turned to see Seraphina, the head of psionic research and defense, offering her a kind smile. Seraphina's presence provided a sense of reassurance amidst the imposing atmosphere of the council chamber.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Ezra approached Seraphina, her posture straight and her expression determined. "I'm here," she said, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her chest. "Ready to offer any assistance I can."

Seraphina's gaze softened as she regarded Ezra, her eyes filled with understanding. "Your presence is appreciated," she replied warmly, her tone conveying a sense of respect for Ezra's contributions.

Meanwhile, in his room within Sol Sanctum, Richard sank onto the edge of the bed, his posture slumped with weariness and uncertainty. Alone with his thoughts, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at his insides.

"I have to go home," Richard murmured to himself, his voice tinged with determination. Despite the weight of the task ahead, he straightened his shoulders, steeling himself for the challenges that lay ahead. "I have to make sure she's fine."