At the break of dawn, Ferra led the way down the spiral stairwell beneath the municipal registry hall.
She carried the two matched ceremonial blades in a protective leather wrap resting securely against her left shoulder.
Ash walked between the summoner and the dragon blacksmith, his fingers resting lightly atop the quiet sigil on his collarbone.
The subterranean air grew warmer as they descended past the sealed alcove, vibrating with deep geothermal heat from the central furnaces.
"Are the council wardens still watching the entrance?" she asked, glancing back up the dark stone shaft.
"Juna and Loccy took over the perimeter guard at the top of the stair," he replied with a confident smirk.
"Nobody comes down here without getting thrown across the plaza!"
They entered the vast three-heart control chamber, where massive bronze engine cores hung anchored to the ceiling, floor, and bedrock walls.
