The Empress remained still for a brief moment after everyone had stepped out, her gaze resting on Lucas, measuring the state of his body one final time before she began, then she turned and walked toward the entrance of the tent, her movements calm and unhurried, yet carrying a quiet urgency that did not need to be spoken aloud. As she reached the flap, she pulled it aside slightly, enough to look out at those gathered just beyond, the King, the girls, Captain Varran, Commander Alexander, all waiting with tense expressions, their attention snapping to her the moment she appeared.
"It will take hours," she said, her voice steady, leaving no room for misinterpretation. "And I require absolute silence."
Her gaze moved across them, ensuring each of them understood the weight of what she was about to do.
"No one is to come in," she added. "No matter what."
