Kaelen strode through the dimly lit stone corridors of the dungeon, his face unreadable, his footsteps heavy against the damp floor. The torches lining the walls flickered, casting eerie shadows as the musty scent of mildew and iron filled the air. Behind him, Margret followed hurriedly, her arms wrapped tightly around her newborn child.
As they descended the last flight of stairs, the iron bars of the cell came into view. Inside, Evelyn sat on the cold ground, her arms wrapped around her knees. Her usually fierce eyes were dim, her face streaked with exhaustion and worry. At the sound of approaching footsteps, she lifted her head, her body tense with apprehension.
Kaelen halted before the cell and turned to the guards standing at attention.
“Release her,” he ordered, his tone sharp and
