Overcast skies hung over the northern region. It had not yet rained, but the air felt heavy, as if holding back an explosion that had yet to occur. In one of the old pavilions that had once been the meeting place of the elders, Ryan walked at a brisk pace, his black robes billowing behind him. His face was grim, his eyes sharp like those of an eagle hunting its prey.
The pavilion door swung open with a bang. Kesha, who had been sitting at a long oak table arranging documents, turned her head unhurriedly.
“You’re finally here,” she said flatly, without standing. “I thought you’d avoid me after last night’s chaos.”
Ryan didn’t answer immediately. He stood a few paces from the table, staring straight at Kesha. “You brought her here, didn’t you?”
Kesha raised an eyebrow. “What do you m
