[Captain Valen's Office]
The office was warm when Kael entered.
A fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering light across the stone walls. Maps hung on every surface—tactical positions, patrol routes, supply lines. A large desk sat in the center, covered in reports and correspondence.
Valen stood behind the desk, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
The girl from earlier stood near the window.
She looked up as Kael entered.
Their eyes met for a heartbeat.
Then she lowered her head quickly, her hands clasping together in front of her.
Her ears turned red.
Kael closed the door behind him and stepped forward.
"Captain."
Valen gestured to the chair across from him. "Sit."
Kael sat.
Valen remained standing, his gaze steady. He reached for a folded letter on the desk and held it up.
"I forwarded your report on the rune markings to the capital. Three days ago, I received a response."
He set the letter down and leaned forward, palms flat on the desk.
