As they walked across the fortress's upper platforms, Dalia looked out over the entire stronghold.
From above, it looked more like a combination of defensive walls and military structures. The only exception in this dreary city was the palace at its center.
The buildings there had clearly retained the architectural style of humanity's past, every one of them displaying an extravagant pursuit of splendor.
There were finely polished columns, wooden floors, vaulted ceilings, and courtyard gardens filled with flowers and plants.
The palace was buried deep behind layers of walls and fortifications, difficult to spot without viewing it from the right angle.
And that was clearly their destination.
After passing through layer upon layer of checkpoints and walking for about twenty minutes, they arrived at the palace. However, rather than entering it, they headed for its elegant garden.
"Dalia, we need to talk."
After summoning attendants to arrange the tea set and delicate pastries, Quillsana shifted in her chair. Grak sat on the other side in an even larger stone chair, and the tea table looked far too small for him.
He said nothing, merely watching their conversation in silence.
"Sure. I think we both need to talk."
Dalia picked up her porcelain cup and took a small sip. The bitter liquid with its lingering sweetness immediately eased much of the exhaustion in her body. In the past, she would never even have dared to dream of such a premium drink.
Compared to that stomach-turning aircraft cabin, Dalia was far more accustomed to this civilized environment.
"Someone important spoke to me. She told me that you were a very perceptive person, that you seemed to have discovered something in certain official documents. She believed you could be trusted, and that the haze in your mind had not affected you deeply."