Cassius had a problem. In fact, he had a multitude of problems, but one immediate concern demanded his attention, Chandler's impulsions. Cassius had been warned that the Earl's son was impulsive, hot-headed, and led primarily by his dick. Regrettably, this all proved to be true. Now, Cassius had the task of escorting Galadrian, an elven Steward, to the border. However, Chandler's reckless actions had depleted their guards. For what? The daughter of Lila?

Lila may have lost her status as the Telepathic Enigma, but the sentence that stripped her access to mana should have driven her mad like it had all others. Instead, she emerged unbroken: an herbalist, a mother, a living testament to an inexplicable resilience. Anyone with half a brain would steer clear of a woman with that kind of unsettling history—certainly not pursue a romantic entanglement with her daughter.

Chandler did have a point; they needed to learn more about this mysterious mage, Arden. Contrary to what Cassius had implied to Arden, knowing about the [Truth Seeking] skill didn't diminish its effectiveness. In fact, emotional agitation made the skill even more potent, which was why Cassius had orchestrated the earlier confrontation. Arden's actions had been unorthodox, but when someone with his level of perception not only pierced Cassius's illusions but also remained calm when faced with the truth-seeking skill, it gave one pause before taking any precipitous actions. Arden was clearly skilled, both in magic and in combat. Most importantly, he seemed to have no direct connection to the ongoing crisis. Of this, Cassius was almost certain. They should have let him be, a problem for a later date.

However, what piqued Cassius's interest was Lila's claim that Arden was Ava's master due to his healing abilities. Cassius had yet to witness any such feats, but if Arden's talent in healing was anywhere near the level of the abilities he had already demonstrated, then he would undoubtedly be of significant interest. Cassius had his own unspoken ailments, challenges that neither magic nor conventional medicine had successfully addressed. If there was even a kernel of truth to Lila's claim, Arden shifted in Cassius's mind from being merely a later problem to a potential asset worth investigating.

At this moment, however, Cassius was thoroughly enjoying himself. He sat across from Lila, the woman he had once bested, reveling in his concealed purpose for the visit. He deployed mental tactics he knew only she would appreciate, making her squirm inwardly. Lila was a master of maintaining her composure; she wouldn't let any emotion betray her. But Cassius knew, and the knowledge filled him with a devilish glee. She hated uncertainty, and he reveled in providing it.

The moment Galadrian was led into the room, restrained, Lila's composure shattered. Cassius couldn't help but smile, savoring this deeply satisfying moment.

Lila was floored, having never anticipated an elven Steward in her home. Regaining her senses, she stood abruptly and bowed her head, a traditional gesture of respect to a Steward. "Eldarien vin'en Aro-falas," she greeted in the ancient language of the elves. "Your presence honors our house, Steward."

Cassius's lips curled into a self-satisfied smile. "Believe me, my dear Lila, it gives me great pleasure to be forced to do the following." He cleared his throat theatrically. "By royal decree, I am hereby ordering you to question the prisoner and ensure he tells the truth."

The color drained from Lila's face. "You want me to interrogate the Steward?" Even Marcus, who had been a silent observer, let out an involuntary gasp.

Chandler, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke. "And you know what that means!"

Lila's eyes met Cassius's, desperation flickering in them. "Please, Cassius, I can't."

He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing. "Tell me, how many people do you know who speak both Elvish and High Elvish? You, me, and...?" Without waiting for a response, he answered his own question. "That's right. None."

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"I was ordered to verify the answers, so here we are," Cassius spread his arms in a show of false helplessness.

"You interrogated the elf, a Steward?" Lila's voice wavered. "Knowing the consequences?"

"Wait until you hear the questions. Shall we begin?" Cassius's voice was chillingly soft.

"And if I say no?" Lila's voice was barely above a whisper.

"You would say no to a royal decree?" Cassius's eyes glinted with anticipation, already knowing her answer.

Cassius leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Lila's as if daring her to defy him. "First question: Were you in the kingdom of Eranthia to willfully help the World Invader escape?"

Lila's gaze darted between Cassius and the restrained elf. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. The thought of elves intervening in the pursuit of a World Invader was staggering. The elves had never provoked the Dragons not openly, as far as she knew.

Cassius's voice cut through her stunned silence. "Lila, my dear, you heard the question. Now ask it." His words were a sharp command, leaving no room for hesitation.

Taking a shaky breath, Lila looked at the Elven Steward, her eyes heavy with apology. "Eldorin naur an-estel," she said, 'I am sorry.' Then she asked, "Were you in the kingdom of Eranthia to willfully help the World Invader escape?" still talking High Elvish.

The elf's voice was deep and musical, imbued with the gravitas one might expect from a Steward. "I am Galadrian, Keeper of Skills. You are Lila Wildwood, once regarded as a friend to my people. Understand that answering this question binds you, too, to its consequences." There was an ominous undertone, a subtle reminder that her involvement would not come without a price. "The answer to your question," he continued in the same lyrical yet stern tone, "is YES."

Lila turned to face Cassius, the weight of the elf's admission and its potential fallout settling heavy within her. Cassius simply nodded, as if he had already known what the answer would be.

"Second question: Where is the World Invader now?" he prompted.

Keeping her expression carefully neutral, Lila looked back at Galadrian and repeated, "Where is the World Invader now?"

Galadrian's eyes shifted toward Cassius before he spoke. "I was tasked to escort him southward. However, an unforeseen intervention has rendered him beyond my control. That is all the information I possess and am willing to disclose."

Satisfied, Cassius nodded. "Splendid, that concludes our business here." A flicker of realization crossed Cassius's eyes as if a lock had sprung open in his mind. Here was the perfect solution to his dilemma, how to ensure the Galadrian got to the border without stepping too close to that horrible wall himself. Turning to Lila with a look that mingled relief and calculation, Cassius adopted his most formal tone. "Now then, Lila, I hereby assign you the duty of escorting our esteemed Steward to the border."

The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly. There was a new weight to the air, a denser gravity pulling at Lila as she considered the implications of the task just thrust upon her.

\\\

The thundering hooves of horses faded into the distance as Lila watched Cassius and his entourage, including Chandler and his personal guards, disappear beyond the estate's gate. At first, she felt a wash of relief; the suffocating aura of Mage Cassius, a member of the High Council, was finally gone. Yet, as she stood there, a heaviness settled over her like a leaden shroud.

'Escort the Steward to the border?' she muttered to herself. The command sent her thoughts into a whirlwind of conflict and calculation. Cassius had just confirmed that Galadrian's mission was linked to a World Invader, which also supported her hunch about Arden not being one. That was where the good news ended. Her choices now were grim. Refusing the royal order would bring down the wrath of both the High Council and the royal court, leading to her immediate execution. Fulfilling the task, however, would place her life in the very hands of someone who'd be honor-bound to end it.

Lila felt trapped in a web of impossible options. Cassius knew damn well she'd never disobey the order, the devil takes him. As if to add insult to injury, he'd 'generously' invited her to a royal festivity in 'thanks' for her service. The nerve of the man! He knew full well she would have to decline. The protocol would insist that her daughter attend instead, accompanied by her 'master.' Cassius was not inviting her; he was extending an invitation to Master Arden through cloaked insults. What made it more maddening was that she couldn't fathom why. What did Cassius want from Arden? The whole arrangement didn't make any sense, and she clenched her fists in frustration, feeling like a pawn in a game she was forced to play but never allowed to win.

Faced with this twisted set of circumstances, her only viable option seemed to be getting Galadrian to the border. That was easier said than done. Factions would either want to assassinate or liberate him, and neither option was in her best interest. Weighing her limited options, she decided for speed and to only take Arden and Kael with her. Marcus would stay behind to manage any repercussions and also speak to his brother, Lord Wildwood. They needed to prepare for all contingencies.

Having made her decision, a weight lifted slightly off her shoulders. They would start as soon as possible, ideally riding through the night to gain a head start. But before that, preparations had to be made. They'd need food, water, and basic medical supplies for the journey. She would also grab one of the mana reservoirs, even though she could not use it. If they were riding hard, they'd also need extra for the horses.

She yanked open the heavy door and stepped into the main hall. Galadrian was seated at the dining table, a plate of food before him. Nearby stood Kael, Captain of Earl Latimer's guard. Officially, he was here to secure the elf. Unofficially, Lila knew he was her watchdog, appointed to ensure she fulfilled her 'duties.'

Summoning all her composure, she approached the table. "Galadrian, Keeper of Skills, I hope the meal is to your liking," she said, her voice calm, but her insides churned like a tempestuous sea.