"We've reached the main floor where the council gathers."
Silas pushed the steel hatch open slowly. He raised the silver dagger in his right hand, then checked the upper area before opening the door wider. Light from the room above illuminated his face. He did not immediately climb out because he didn't yet know whether there were any guards near the hatch.
"Kael, wait below until I make sure the situation is safe," he whispered.
"Don't take too long. We don't know when the officers will find this maintenance route."
Silas nodded. He pushed the hatch slightly wider and raised his head to inspect the room. No sounds of conversation or footsteps could be heard. He only saw a large table in the middle of the room and several white marble pillars near the walls.
After making sure no one w
