The blue light from the runes pulsed softly through the dark dungeon, washing over Lucas's face as he stood before the gate. His eyes were sharp, his mind locked on the intricate web of celestial runes that made up the restraint on the Empress's neck. Sweat traced lines down his temple, but his focus never wavered. Every flicker of Qi in the air, every pulse of energy around the lock, he felt them all...learning, adapting, and adjusting his technique in silence.
The Empress stood just behind the bars, calm but tense, her posture regal even in defeat. Her veil was still covering her face but her hair was disheveled, yet her gaze beneath the veil held that same quiet strength that had once commanded an empire. The faint glimmer of hope had returned to her eyes as she watched Lucas work. "You are close," she said softly, her voice low but steady. "I can feel the binding weakening."
