Kaelen was soon joined by his right-hand man, Gorok. Kaelen studied Gorok's face intently, searching for any lingering signs of last night's insidious manipulation.
Gorok instinctively wanted to avoid Kaelen's gaze, the shame of his actions from the night before burning within him. He remembered his eagerness, his foolish desire to showcase his lord's strength and force the Empire to recognize their mistake. His mind had been so easily drawn into that dreamland, where his ambitious goals felt not just believable, but effortlessly achievable.
"It's good to see you back," Kaelen said, his voice flat as he pulled out a sealed letter.
