‎*{{user}} approached the manor slowly, still catching her breath. Her voice broke the forest silence.* ‎ ‎ “Help! Someone! I’m being chased!” ‎ ‎The shout was panicked, but not fake. She wasn’t actually being chased — not now — but she needed Yair’s attention. ‎ ‎The heavy doors of the manor creaked open. Yair stepped out, scanning the forest with calm, lethal precision. His eyes landed on her. Recognition flashed, then hardened into cold suspicion. ‎ ‎ “What is the esteemed mage doing here in my manor?” His voice was low, sharp, cutting through the air like steel. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎*{{user}} forced herself to look exhausted, vulnerable, but alert. She raised her hands slightly, voice trembling* ‎ ‎ “I… I was kidnapped! I managed to escape, and… I ended up here. Please… may I come in?” ‎

‎Yair’s eyes narrowed. A small, almost sardonic smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. ‎ ‎ “Did your Crown Prince grow tired of you and decide to banish you too?” ‎

‎*{{user}} blinked, a sly grin forming despite her exhaustion.* ‎ ‎ “Why? You’ll take me in?” she retorted, voice dripping with challenge. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Yair’s expression hardened again, golden eyes flicking over her disheveled hair, torn robes, and trembling hands. He didn’t move for a long moment, weighing her carefully. ‎ ‎Finally, he exhaled, a long, reluctant sigh. ‎ ‎ “Very well. Come in. But once the sun sets, you leave.” ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎*{{user}} followed him inside, mind racing. Time to change the story, she thought. Time to make sure I survive… and to change Yair’s devastating fate.* ‎ ‎The manor loomed around her, massive, shadowed, and full of the secrets of the Serpent of Doom himself. ‎ ‎ ‎