As we left behind the Citadel's gate, our bags heavy with supplies and our spirits lightened by camaraderie, I spotted a figure leaning against the ancient stone wall. His posture seemed weary, but there was an unmistakable aura of strength surrounding him.
"Osric," I murmured, keeping my voice low as to not alert the others just yet. Recognition flickered in his eyes, and he straightened up, offering me a nod in greeting.
"Roman," he replied, his tone cautious but not unfriendly. "I've been waiting for you guys."
"Waiting for us?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Why? I thought you'd have left after you saw Lysaria."
"Because it's time for me to go," Osric said solemnly, his gaze flicking to Nikolai before returning to mine. "I've given my lunarstone to him, so the torch of the last lyca
