Elarien frowned slightly as they drew closer to the gates of the elven capital.
"Something's off…" she murmured, more to herself than to Edward, who was still carrying the injured elf over his shoulder.
"How so?" Edward asked as they came to a stop just before the towering gates.
"The guards…" she replied, her voice tense. "They're not here."
"Maybe they had to—" Edward began, but Elarien was quick to cut him off.
"No. They never leave the gates unmanned," she said firmly, her gaze never leaving the entrance for even a second.
Edward's brow furrowed. After a brief hesitation, he stepped forward and placed a hand against the massive wooden gate, pushing lightly.
The gates were not locked.
They creaked open slowly, revealing a sight that made Edward's breath catch in his throat.
Only a few steps past the threshold lay two lifeless elven guards.
