The question remained after Nina asked it.
Who was the Lord of Velaris?
For several seconds, nobody answered.
The residents continued moving through the settlement around them, carrying supplies, talking among themselves, and going about their business as though nothing unusual had happened.
Nina glanced at Iris.
"You've been here longer than we have," she said. "Do you know who the Lord is?"
Iris shook her head.
"No."
Nina frowned slightly.
"You've never met them?"
"No."
There was no hesitation in Iris's answer, but Nina still studied her face for a moment.
"And the residents?"
"I've never heard any of them mention a Lord."
"That is strange."
"It is."
Nina looked around again.
She had expected Iris to have a better answer.
After all, the girl had arrived in Velaris before the rest of them. She had already explored the settlement and seemed familiar with several of its structures. Yet apparently, she knew no more about the person in charge than they did.
