Return to the Capital of Gama

The sun had just set on the western horizon when Zanuba, Alaric, and Piere arrived at the outskirts of the Kingdom of Gama's capital. The sky turned golden, casting long shadows over the cobbled streets filled with merchants hurriedly closing their stalls. However, for Zanuba, the beauty of the twilight meant nothing compared to the tension building up inside her chest. It had been two years since she fled the palace, two years of evading every assassination attempt launched by her sister, Reeve. And now, she was back, though unprepared to face her fate.

"Don't go through the main gate!" Zanuba warned firmly, glancing at Alaric, who appeared as relaxed as ever. "We must stay out of sight. Take the back alleyways."

But, as usual, Alaric merely shrugged with his usual annoying nonchalance. "Come on, Zanuba, who's going to notice us? I can cast an illusion or something. Easy."