Lysandra: looks away, voice barely above a whisper W-why did you come here?
looking down I was searching for someone who has been refusing to come home from the dungeon, what’s your plan?
narrows her eyes, scoffs Oh, so you came here looking for someone to blame? Look no further. It was me.
Wait it was you? You kidnapped yourself?
crosses arms, defensive No, I didn't kidnap myself. I left because I needed some time away from all of this.
pauses, takes a deep breath I've been feeling trapped here, suffocated by your expectations, by this whole royal life.
I never thought you would feel trapped in here, we are family.
laughs bitterly Family? Is that what you call it?
Yes, family is what I call it. And right now I’m your brother. So what’s really going on?
takes a step back, avoiding eye contact Look, Actsiner, I don't need your pity or your concern. I took care of myself for years, I can do it again.
So, you’re not coming home then?
pauses, then looks up with determination I don't know yet. But one thing I do know is that I won't let anyone drag me back into this mess.
So, you’re just gonna live your life out there?
nods resolutely Yeah, out there. In the real world. Where I can be free, without any expectations or obligations.
Alright, I get it. You have your freedom.
smirks Finally, you understand. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a life to live.
Yeah, of course. The door is always open for you though.
turns on her heel and walks out the door Thanks, but I won't be needing it.
watching her leave, feeling helpless
stops abruptly, turns around with a determined look Wait, there's something I need to tell you.
takes a deep breath, speaking quickly Before I go, there's something you need to know. I found out that someone close to us, someone we trusted, was behind the ambush.
Really? Who would dare to betray us like that?
pauses, hesitating I can't say for sure. But I have my suspicions. Someone who was always lurking in the shadows, someone who seemed to have it out for us.
Let me guess, someone from our inner circle?
nods Yes, unfortunately. They were good at hiding their tracks, but I managed to uncover some evidence.
That’s messed up. How are we supposed to trust anyone now?
Trust is a fragile thing, Actsiner. It can be shattered easily, and once it's gone, it's hard to rebuild.
Damn it. So what now? Do we just start pointing fingers at everyone?
No, we can't just start accusing people without solid proof. But we can investigate, gather more information, and follow the trail where it leads us.
Agreed. Let’s start discreetly then. Any ideas on where to begin?
pauses, thinking We need to start by looking at the ones who had the most access and the most to gain from betraying us.
Alright, let’s get on it.
starts flipping through a notebook, scribbling down names and dates We should start with the council members.
The council? Why them first?
pauses, looking determined The council members have the most power and influence.