The starry night was silent and dazzling. Two black shadows flew over the forest one after another, then descended onto a moonlit meadow and transformed into human forms. The one who landed first was Dragon Queen Gwendolyn, who looked like a noblewoman, while Modesti followed close behind. The latter seemed about to ask something, but after glancing at Gwendolyn's stern face, she swallowed the words at the tip of her tongue... This subtle change did not escape the Dragon Queen's notice. She said, "If you have something to say, say it. What, are you afraid I'll eat you too, just like those mortals?"
Modesti blushed, then grew somewhat angry. She was, of course, not afraid of being devoured in one bite. She feared Gwendolyn because Gwendolyn was stronger than her, but that was a fact too shameful for someone as proud as her to admit. Modesti was furious at Gwendolyn's bluntness, yet she had no choice but to answer, "I only wanted to ask why you let them go."
"Because I sensed someone's presence, and I was afraid of attracting her attention," Gwendolyn replied. "So I had no choice but to let those little mice go."
"Who?"
"Ailanta."
Modesti jumped and cried out, "How could it be her? Isn't that woman still in the World Tree's Garden?"
"That elf was carrying a leaf from the World Tree. Ailanta has always monitored this world through her flowers and plants. When I used Grasp of Tiamat, I happened to alarm her."
"Damn it. Did she discover us?"
"I'm not sure. But don't hold on to any false hope. From now on, we must finish dealing with Anzlova's mess as quickly as possible. Go tell Malthus that he doesn't need to return to Anzlova. He needs to hurry and help Natasha conquer Greenclaw