Gulam hesitated briefly before stepping toward the threshold of the dungeon room. The air seemed heavier here, each step echoing faintly against the stone walls, the dim torchlight barely penetrating the darkness. As his foot hovered over the entrance, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air.

A dagger shot toward him with precision, glinting faintly in the torchlight. Yet, Gulam moved without hesitation, his hand snapping out to catch the blade mid-flight. The ease with which he caught it spoke of experience, his expression unfaltering as he called out, “My prince, it’s me.. Gulam.”

His calm tone seemed to dissolve the tension as a figure stepped from the shadows beyond. Prince Meron emerged cautiously, his orange eyes narrowing in suspicion before softening with recognition. Relief washed over his young, sharp features, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke.

“Gulam, you’re alive!... Praise the deities, I thought I’d never see you again,” the prince said, his tone a mixture of disbelief and joy.

Gulam gave a slight nod, his expression remaining composed but no less genuine. “It’s good to see you too, my prince. But where are Princess Agatha and Princess Rissane?”

Meron gestured toward the deeper shadows of the room, his expression darkening. “They’re safe, for now, in the corner of this chamber. We’ve been hiding.”

As the two exchanged words, Meron’s gaze flicked toward Emma and Maverick, who stood silently near the entrance. His eyes narrowed, his demeanor guarded as he spoke in smooth, practiced Elven, his tone cutting.

“Who are these children you’ve brought with you, Gulam? Are they from Eldo-Clearoth?”

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Before Gulam could respond, Emma spoke, her voice clear and laced with a calm edge. Her reply, spoken in flawless Elven, carried an unmistakable hint of irritation.

“Watch who you’re calling a child,” she said coolly, her gaze unwavering.

Her words seemed to hang in the air for a moment, the tension palpable. She then turned to Gulam, her tone shifting to one of composed inquiry. “Is this the prince you were looking for?”

Gulam inclined his head respectfully. “Yes. This is Prince Meron of Eldo-Clearoth. His sister, Princess Agatha, and Princess Rissane of Elverian are inside the chamber.”

Emma acknowledged his words with a slight bow. “I see.”

Gulam straightened and addressed her with genuine gratitude. “You have my deepest thanks for helping me find them. I am in your debt.”

Emma mirrored his bow, her voice calm yet firm. “The pleasure is mine.”

Meron stood in silence, observing the exchange with a thoughtful expression but choosing not to comment. After a moment, Gulam turned back to Emma and Maverick, his tone more formal.

“May I ask your names?”

Emma glanced at Maverick, who remained characteristically silent, his stance relaxed yet alert. She answered for both of them. “I’m Emma, and this is Maverick.”

Gulam nodded, filing the names away. Turning to Meron, he added, “They’ve helped us find you and the princesses. We’ll all work together to find a way out of here.”

Meron regarded Emma and Maverick for a long moment, his expression unreadable before he finally gave a small nod. “Very well,” he said curtly. “Let’s go to where the princesses are.”

With that, Meron led the group into the chamber. The dim light barely illuminated the room’s vast expanse, the walls covered in faintly glowing runes that pulsed with an otherworldly energy. The shadows seemed to stretch unnaturally, clinging to the edges of their vision as they walked.

Maverick moved as he always did... calm, measured, and silent, his presence an unyielding constant. Emma followed closely, her fingers brushing against the smooth surface of the magical egg she carried, its faint warmth grounding her amidst the silence.

Well, Emma, she thought to herself, a faint flicker of happiness sparking within her. We’re one step closer to leaving this dungeon.

Her grip on the egg tightened ever so slightly as she allowed herself a moment of cautious optimism.