THIRD PERSON POV

Stephan had just gotten to the corridor. He looked left and right to be sure he was not followed before facing a wall to recite the chant Varkas gave him as the passcode to access Lyra’s room, where she was kept. It was a direct connection to the room from the palace walls, but it was along a public corridor. Just as he was about to open his mouth, Ryker approached. Stephan paused, waiting for Ryker to walk past, but soon he couldn’t hide the confusion in his eyes as ...