First, timing was essential.
Citing the need for further investigation through interviews, the Ministry decided to release only verified victims, just as the elven delegation arrived to meet Lord Karion.
It was a smart move, and it was also how the great dragon realized something strange: these elves might not have even known that some of their own people were missing.
Because when the delegation walked through the hall where families were reuniting, they barely reacted. They glanced around, but there was no concern or curiosity. They were even annoyed by the fact that it was delaying negotiations.
They simply followed their escort and talked among themselves as if the crowd of sobbing families and rescued victims was nothing more than background noise.
Then, during their meeting with Lord Karion, they spoke only of one thing: recovering the Moonveil Codex.
