I pressed meself flat against the cold wood of the chamber door, straining t' hear over th' thudding of me own heart. Every creak o' the floorboards beneath me feet made me jump. I could see th' flicker o' candlelight through th' cracks, th' shadows dancin' across the floor like livin' things.
Marrow's voice came first—calm, even, precise.
"…The vessel they use — Emberwake. It's docked several miles south along th' eastern bank."
Me stomach dropped. Nux's reply came next, low an' hoarse, and I nearly stumbled back from th' wall:
"Good," he muttered, and I could hear th' faint scrape o' his hands against the marble vase as he gripped it.
I clenched me fists so tight me nails bit into me palms. I had t' tell someone. I had t' warn th' others. But who could I trust? An' would Nux act afore I even had th' chance?
A sudden thought froze me. Liora. If Nux knew where Emberwake was… if he decided t' strike without hesitation… she could be on that vessel. She could be in danger. Right now.
Panic twisted me chest tighter than before. Me legs trembled, me mind racin'. I had t' act. I had t' warn someone, anyone. I couldn't let her… I couldn't let her…
Funnelhead bolted down the corridor toward the kitchens, feet slapping against the flagstones. His cloak whipped around him, breath coming in ragged gasps.
"Hold!"
He skidded to a halt, nearly pitching forward, as a shadow fell over him. Captain Velanora stepped into view, hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword. Even in torchlight, she seemed to fill the corridor, her armor gleaming faintly, precise and uncompromising.
"What manner of haste is this?" she demanded.
Funnelhead opened his mouth, then shut it again, panic choking his words. "I—I heard… I heard what Marrow said to Lord Nux," he stammered, words spilling out in a rush.
Velanora's brow arched. "Speak plainly. What do you mean?"
He shook, trying to make sense of the words tumbling from his lips. "Emberwake… it's docked… the vessel… Lord Nux knows. He knows everything Marrow told him… he…" His voice caught. "…he's angry, Captain… he's… he's not well, but he's… alive and ready! And… and Liora… she… she could be on it—"
Velanora's stomach tightened. She did not yet know the full details, but the fear in his eyes was enough to make her pause.
She stepped closer, voice measured but sharp, carrying the weight of command. "Calm yourself, man. You run about in terror, and the wrong soul may notice. Tell me exactly what you overheard."
Funnelhead swallowed again, trembling. "Marrow… he told Nux where Emberwake is. And Nux… he… he's decided on what he will do. I… I don't know the rest. But it… it cannot wait."
Velanora's eyes narrowed, torchlight glinting off her armor. She exhaled slowly, regaining composure. "Very well. Go to the other servants. Quietly. Tell them nothing of this chamber. They are to appear as usual, busy with their duties. Do not let Nux suspect anything amiss. They must act normal, understand? No confusion. No sudden movements. Only calm."
Funnelhead sagged with relief, though terror still clung to him like a second skin. "Y-yes, Captain Velanora. I… I understand."
She gave a brief nod, gaze piercing. "Go now. And remember: secrecy is as vital as your own life. Nux is not a man to be trifled with, and any slip could cost more than just you."
Funnelhead bolted again, slower this time, careful not to draw attention. Velanora watched him disappear around the bend, torchlight fading with him.
He allowed himself a single, shallow breath as he rounded the corner, heart still hammering. He had to warn the others. He had to keep Nux from realizing what they'd overheard—or what Marrow had told him. And most of all… he had to protect Liora. Every moment counted.