Later in the dining hall;
The warmth of the evening meal had barely settled when the quiet rhythm of the palace was disturbed.
Laughter still lingered in the dining hall as dishes were being replaced, the children animatedly talking over one another, when a faint commotion echoed from outside.
Footsteps halted abruptly, followed by restrained voices.
Though the doors to the hall were open, the two guards stationed there crossed their spears firmly, blocking an approaching figure.
"I request an audience with Patriarch Lan."
The voice carried clearly into the hall.
Mark paused mid-motion, his chopsticks hovering for a heartbeat before he gently set them down. He exchanged a brief glance with Song Yue and Shen Ling, both of whom had already sensed something amiss. Without a word, he stood and walked out of the dining hall.
