Hours later, Lumberling sat across from the still-injured Lucian, Daigo, and Silas. Beside him were the three elves, along with Liraeth. The room was quiet and there was a hint of tension in the air.
"How are your injuries, Heir Arden?" Lumberling broke the silence first.
Lucian smiled faintly. "Still recovering," he said, flexing his arm slightly before letting it rest again. "But I'm fine now, thanks to you… and your companions."
Lumberling nodded slightly. "That's good to hear."
Daigo leaned forward then, his usual playful attitude nowhere to be found. His eyes were steady, his voice more serious than usual. "I didn't know you were acquainted with people from the enemy empire."
The air instantly grew heavier.
Lumberling turned his gaze to the three elves. They met his eyes in silence, each giving him a small, knowing nod. It was the signal they had agreed on earlier.
