The group took nearly five hours to fully prepare for departure.
Darian took them to the teleportation portal — a massive runic construct embedded on the floating platform in the center of the town square. It was a rare and expensive device, usually only available to nobles, high-ranking officials, or people of true authority. It linked the capital with the most powerful cities in the kingdom, and using it was a symbol of status.
Sylvaris stared at it in silence, feeling a twinge of regret bloom in his chest.
This city — nestled by the lake, filled with hidden secrets and forbidden pleasures — still had so much left untouched. So many paths unexplored. So many women left unclaimed. He clenched his jaw slightly. One, in particular, haunted him.
"Lilith," he said calmly, turning to the ex-nun beside him. "There's a woman I want you to fetch for me. A nun. Say it's personal business — Hero's orders." He described her in exact detail.
