106

The council chamber was in a state of urgency, the air thick with tension as the emergency bells echoed through the room. Lysandra stood at the head of the table, her expression composed as she listened to the reports pouring in.

One council member’s voice rose above the rest, his tone accusatory. “Lysandra, how did this happen? How did Freya manage to escape?”

Lysandra’s gaze met his, her voice steady. “I received word that Freya attempted to escape, but she was intercepted by one of my trusted guards. Unfortunately, the guard was unable to retrieve her body.”

The council members exchanged concerned glances, their disbelief evident. “And the guard’s name?” another council member inquired.

Lysandra opened her mouth to speak, ready to say “Liam,” the name of the guard she had instructed to eliminate Freya. But before she could utter a word, another council member cut in.

“And one of the guards, Liam. I’m afraid he’s dead as well,” the council member said, a hint of grim satisfaction i