After moving to Del Bar, Lissa immersed herself in the study of elves. She explored their culture, behaviors, and biology, even learning fragments of their languages. To her, elves were intricate and individual beings, as significant and complex as humans. Her ex-husband, Viren, vehemently disagreed, viewing elves as a scourge to be eradicated.

When she was summoned back to Katolis to inspect Viren’s latest prisoner, Lissa felt reluctant. She reminded herself it was purely professional, and the Del Bar guards accompanying her offered a small sense of security, though memories of Viren’s actions still haunted her.

“You need an elf examined?” she asked evenly as she stepped into the cold, damp dungeons.

“Right, yes,” Viren muttered, avoiding her gaze. He still cared, though he wouldn’t admit it. “There was an attempted assassination a few nights ago. King Harrow barely survived. This elf was behind it, but we’re not ready to execute him yet. Can you get him to talk?”

“I’ll do my best,” Lissa replied, her voice steady. With a nod, she stepped into the dimly lit cell.