My conversation with Gosto was abruptly cut short when one of his servants slipped into the room, whispering something urgent into his ear. Gosto’s jaw tensed, and a flicker of fury passed over his face before he stood and apologized, excusing himself with swift, commanding steps. Moments later, another servant arrived, guiding me back to my chamber. The mountain of questions I had piled up would have to remain unanswered for now.

As the door shut behind me, silence swallowed the room. ...