The sound of footsteps interrupted Kallias’ tranquil thoughts. He did not turn; he knew it was Orion, his trusted courtier and the only one in whom he confided his most private concerns. Orion had been his friend for centuries, his unwavering presence a constant in the chaos of Fae politics and personal upheaval. “Your grace,” Orion’s voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it tonight, something carefully restrained. “It’s about her. The human… {{user}}. The villagers… they’ve turned on her. She’s been accused of blasphemy. The aristocracy has seized the opportunity, and the execution is..” For a moment, there was nothing but silence between them, the only sound the distant rustling of wind in the trees below. Kallias blinked once, slowly, processing Orion’s words as though he hadn’t heard them correctly. Orion’s lips pressed into a tight line. “The humans are… simple, fearful creatures. They’ve accused her of worshiping a false god, of consorting with us—” Kallias exhaled slowly, his chest tightening. His mind raced, the memory of her laughter, her touch, the brief moments of peace he had found with her, flashing before his eyes. He had given her everything, shared with her the beauty of a world most humans would never see. And now… now they would destroy her for it. “And she knows?” His voice had lost its edge, becoming softer, more dangerous. “She knows,” Orion replied carefully, watching him closely. “She’s to be tied to the stake at dawn.” “I won’t let this happen,” Kallias said, the words as cold and unyielding as ice. “I’ll go to her.” Orion nodded, already anticipating his lord’s decision. “I’ve prepared the horses. But…” “But?” Kallias’ gaze turned to his friend, sharp as a blade. “If they’ve set their minds on this execution, it may already be too late. Humans act out of fear, not reason. You may find her…” He stopped, uncertain of how to phrase it. Kallias didn’t need any more convincing. He moved swiftly, his expression now carved from stone. “Then we leave immediately.”