[The Next Day — Thalryn — House Veyrhold]
Snow-covered mountains stretched endlessly beyond the manor windows; cold winds swept across the cliffs, and inside House Veyrhold, the atmosphere remained heavy. Several imperial scouts knelt before Duke Aren, their faces exhausted and dust and snow still clung to their cloaks.
"We followed every possible route, Your Grace." One scout lowered his head further. "We searched the eastern border, we searched the western crossing, and we even questioned merchants and caravans traveling between kingdoms."
Silence.
"And?" Duke Aren's voice remained calm, too calm.
The scouts exchanged uneasy glances, and then finally one lowered his head. "...We found nothing."
Silence, a heavy silence. The fireplace crackled softly, and Duke Aren slowly closed his eyes. Days...more days and still no trace of Levin.
