[Silthara Palace — Malika's Private Residence — Midnight]
The midnight rain started pouring across Zahryssar as if mourning the death. Soft thunder echoed above the imperial skies while silver lanterns flickered quietly beneath the long palace corridors.
Outside Malika's private chamber, Raevahn and Varesh remained standing guard silently, both alert, both armed, and both aware that the palace itself no longer felt safe.
For several long moments, only silence accompanied them. Then finally Raevahn spoke quietly, "You should rest for a while, Captain Varesh."
Varesh glanced toward him briefly.
"I shall continue guarding the Malika's residence tonight."
Captain Varesh stared toward the closed chamber doors afterward. The same doors Levin had not willingly opened since Zeramet's disappearance. Then quietly he answered, "I believe even you require rest eventually, Captain."
Raevahn exhaled softly, tired, and nodded faintly. "Indeed, but one of us must remain beside the Malika."
