She shook her head at the question. There were no more questions, but as she started to speak, she paused. In her stomach, she knew it would simply be easier if she let it go and did not speak of it immediately. Kell's world was safe for the moment. But if it came out later that she held something back, surely she would be seen as an enemy too.

Her fingers tightened. Quietly, she began: "There is one more thing." Her gaze turned to Kell for a moment, apologetic. One more burden to carry. And as she turned back to Maxim and Emira, her posture straightened again.

"I have a question, Your Grace, but one that is dire." She had to phrase it well. She knew what part of the answer was already, as Kell had confirmed it once. But if something had changed... "Have you heard anything of a Blight? Or...the Void?" A pause. "Or an emerald gem in the heart of worlds?"