Armored boots thunder into the hall. Captain Vane and six soldiers push through the breach, white breath streaming in the violet chill. Their eyes lock on the brass key in Kara’s hand, not on the Hooded Figure crumpled against the wall.
Captain Vane
Give it over. Now. If the seal breaks, this ruin takes us all.
The wall shudders harder. Frost crawls across the stone in veined sheets, and loose grit rains down between Kara and the soldiers.
The Hooded Figure
Too late. She sent them for the key, not for me.
Captain Vane
Lady Sereth’s order stands. The key goes back to her, or we all die under this mountain.
Behind the crack in the wall, violet light flares like a living eye. The hidden force presses once, and a long, dark shape slides through the split stone.
The Hooded Figure
Kara, if they take it, she can open the seal on purpose. Don’t let them touch it.
The soldiers spread in a tense half-circle, steel raised, waiting for Kara’s next move as the ruin groans around them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the brass key from Captain Vane and Sereth's soldiers