My heart skipped. Fifty gold was a small fortune. New armor, better weapons, supplies, I could finally upgrade my gear properly. But trusting these two felt like walking a tightrope over a pit of spikes.
"You won't be punished if you've been holding back," Yua added, reading my hesitation. "You have my word."
I exhaled slowly. "Alright."
"Aha! I knew it!" Yua clapped her hands excitedly. "Come here, then."
I stepped closer, heart pounding. "Just… tell me when you want me to stop, ma'am."
I raised my hand toward her shoulder, preparing to lower my mental barrier. Right before I made contact, a sharp knock echoed through the room. The door swung open without waiting for permission, and a guard strode in, dropping to one knee in the center of the chamber.
I quickly lowered my hand and stepped back.
"Your Majesty," the guard began. "Captain Tornhawk and I captured an elf sneaking near the academy grounds."
