A Woman With Blue Hair

Descending the stairs to the main hall where the event was taking place, Esme and the warriors were met with an unsettling sight. Every guest lay sprawled across the room, unconscious, and that included everyone, that is, except the guards they had neutralized earlier.

With a sharp intake of breath, Esme crouched beside one of the slumped figures, pressing two fingers against the guest's neck. The pulse was steady, and a wave of relief mixed with concern washed over her.

She gently pried an empty glass from the guest's hand, bringing it to her nose and inhaling deeply. A faint but unmistakable scent lingered, and a subtle frown settled on her face.

"They're alive," she murmured, rising to her feet. "But I think their drinks were spiked with something that put them into a deep sleep."