The silence that followed was heavy enough to feel physical. Soren's jaw clenched so hard a muscle pulsed in his cheek. Aldric's expression darkened into a mask of grim concern.
"After attacking the guard, she used her magic to create a massive distraction, a blinding localized blizzard within the courtyard," Jorel explained quickly. "By the time visibility cleared and my men had secured the Duke, she was gone. She knows that estate better than anyone; she likely used the service tunnels or the hidden garden paths."
"The search?"
"We searched the manor top to bottom immediately," Jorel said. "Secured the perimeter and sent riders through the surrounding woods. We've monitored the city gates and posted men at the homes of her known associates. But so far… nothing. She has vanished into the city."
