103

Lysandra paced back and forth in her private chamber, her frustration mounting with each failed attempt at casting the locator spell. Her hands crackled with energy, but every time she channeled it into the spell, it fizzled out, leaving her seething with rage.

“Damn it!” Lysandra hissed, her voice a mixture of anger and exasperation. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she struggled to rein in her emotions.

As she attempted the spell once again, a timid knock sounded at her chamber door. Lysandra’s head snapped in the direction of the interruption, her eyes flashing with irritation. “What is it?” she snapped.

The door creaked open, and a young maid hesitantly stepped inside, her eyes wide with trepidation. “My lady, I-I apologize for disturbing you, but the council has requested your presence in the main hall.”

Lysandra’s lips curled into a snarl, her patience worn thin. “Can’t they see I’m busy?” she spat, her tone dripping with venom.

The maid’s shoulders sl