Ch 26: Outcome (Part 2)

As the group walked through the grand halls of the Avail Kingdom's castle, the once vibrant energy seemed to have dulled. The torches lining the stone walls flickered softly, casting long shadows that danced with the deepening twilight. The night had fully settled in now, and a palpable tension hung in the air.

The Princess, walking at the front, gulped audibly, her footsteps slowing with each step as the weight of the day bore down on her. Her shoulders were hunched ever so slightly, and Gray could see the subtle tremble in her posture. She hadn't spoken much since they entered the castle grounds, her earlier smile fading as the reality of her situation became more pronounced. The loss of her soldiers, the time slipping away, the potential scolding from her parents—it was all catching up to her.

Gray, noticing her hesitation, furrowed his brow and asked internally, What time is it now?