The air still carried that strange weight when Lysandra finally broke the silence, shifting her gaze from Kael just enough to spot Irelia beside them, who was still observing the scene with a mixture of irritation and uneasy attention. There was something in the way Lysandra breathed before speaking—subtle, calculated—that indicated that this next action wasn't just logistical, but also… strategic.
"Irelia."
Her voice was firm, but not harsh, carrying that natural authority that didn't need to impose itself to be obeyed. Still, there was a slightly more directed tone there, as if she were steering the situation where she wanted it.
"Go to your uncle and ask him to send a royal escort here. I want this perimeter reinforced and someone trustworthy coordinating the final retreat."
Irelia blinked once, absorbing the instruction, and then nodded without question. To her, it made sense. It was exactly the kind of response expected in the face of something of that magnitude.
"Right."
