Jason pov
The grand hall's silence was a stark contrast to the usual bustle, its emptiness echoing back my own words. "Why is the palace so empty?" I murmured, a sense of unease creeping in. "Jarl?" I called out, but there was no answer, no familiar presence to ease the growing tension.
"Guards!" My voice rose, seeking the reassurance of their response, but again, there was only silence. "Marcos!" I called for my right-hand guard, but the void returned no reply.
I hurried to the upper floor, my heart pounding with each step. The corridors were deserted, the absence of life unnerving. A glimpse of a figure turned a corner, and I chased after it. "Norella, Norella!" I shouted, hope flaring briefly, but when I reached the spot, it was empty.
Norella's door stood ajar, an invitation or a t
