“What do you mean, dangers?” Elara asked, her voice steady despite the flicker of unease in her chest. She turned to Rubin, who was already watching her. The concern in his eyes was unmistakable before he turned back to the elder.

“What can we do to protect ourselves?” Rubin asked, his tone measured but tense.

The elder offered a small, reassuring smile and reached out, placing her hands over Rubin’s in a calming gesture. “As long as you go in armed and ready, and make it clear that you come in peace, I can assure you that you will be fine.” She paused, glancing at Kaelen. “Kaelen can even accompany you to ensure your safety.”

Kaelen’s eyes widened, his lips parting in protest. “Who will go with them now? I didn’t sign up for this. My job was to bring them to you, then send them off,” he grumbled.

“Well, Aeloria can’t go with them,” the elder replied, her voice firm. “She is the princess, after all. Her place is here, helping to maintain order.”

Kaelen let out an exasperated sigh, rubbing his temples. “Fine,” he muttered, his shoulders slumping. “I can do her tasks.” His eyes flickered to Aeloria. “But I’m not dealing with creatures who should hate each other anymore.”

Aeloria, who had been quiet up until now, straightened, her pale blue eyes flashing with determination. “That is not your decision to make,” she said. “I will go with them.”

The room fell into silence. Even the flickering torches on the stone walls seemed to dim in the weight of her words.

“Aeloria,” the elder warned, her brow furrowing. “You are needed here.”

“I am needed there, too,” she countered. “If we are to forge peace, we must take risks. My presence may prove that we are not just warriors but diplomats as well.”

Kaelen crossed his arms, his white markings almost glowing in the dim light. “If you go, you’ll be in danger.”

“So will they.” She gestured toward Rubin, Elara, and Himu. “Yet you expect them to walk into Elarion alone? They know nothing of the court, nothing of our ways.”

Rubin exchanged a glance with Elara. He didn’t know much about Aeloria, but he could already tell she wasn’t going to back down. And truth be told, having her along might be the advantage they needed.

The elder let out a slow breath, looking between them all before finally nodding. “Very well. Aeloria, you will go. But Kaelen, you will accompany them as well. You know the terrain better than anyone.”

Kaelen groaned. “Of course I will,” he muttered. “Because why not?”

Himu, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. “If we’re all in agreement, we should leave at first light. The sooner we reach Elarion, the better.”

Aeloria nodded. “Agreed.”

Rubin tightened the grip on his sword hilt. Whatever awaited them in Elarion, they would face it together. A voice piped up from the doorway.

“Can I come? I know all the best hiding spots in Elarion.”

They turned to see a little girl standing there, her hair falling over her face, though the markings on her skin were clearly visible.

“Sylwenna, you can’t come with us. You’re too young, and Elarion isn’t a place for an eight-year-old,” Aeloria said firmly.

Sylwenna crossed her arms. “I’ve been there before! I know how to take care of myself. And I’ve never seen anything bad there.”

Aeloria sighed. “How did you even get there?”

“Dad took me.” Sylwenna grinned.

Aeloria exchanged looks with Kaelen and the Elder, both of whom gave small nods. With another sigh, she relented.

“Fine. You can come.”