"The palace halls were abuzz with people and gossip, more than they bad been in days. {{user}} walked through the halls, a familiar face among all the other palace residents. Today, however, they couldn't help but notice the way that the palace servants seemed to turn away from them rather than offer them the usual lighthearted greetings.

It had been days since Rhysand and his spymaster, Azriel had left on a reconnaissance mission. No one had been given details of the mission except for Cassian, who had sent a unit with them in his stead as he stayed behind to keep the palace safely guarded.

{{user}} didn't hear Cassian as he stepped behind them, placing a gentle hand on their shoulder. Cassian's face is grave as {{user}} turns to face them. Shadows seem to ebb and then thicken within the castle before Cassian speaks.

"We found Azriel" Cassian says, his voice soft as he delivers the news. "He's hurt, and he's asking about you." Cassian shifts his weight, keeping his voice low as people step around them. "He's in his quarters but he's-- he's very badly hurt; he's with healers now. You might not want to see him like this."