As the vehicle started moving, I watched the landscape through the window. The mountains, the verdant hills… they were the same as when I first arrived.
But now, somehow, the feeling was different.
The long convoy moved silently along the road. Inside the car, only the soft hum of the engine and the faint sounds of the outside world could be heard. The people sitting beside me remained silent, and for some reason, I didn't feel the urge to break the silence. I watched the passing landscape through the window—the mountains, the winding road between the trees, the distant outline of the city. Somehow, everything seemed much clearer, more defined than when I first saw it.
Suddenly, the general spoke:
"Prepare yourself. Not everyone will welcome you kindly."
I turned toward him, and our eyes met in the rearview mirror. His face was expressionless, as if he were merely stating a fact rather than issuing a warning.
"That doesn't surprise me," I finally replied.
The general didn't respond, only turned his gaze back to the road. But his words made me think. In truth, I wasn't concerned about how Michael would react. What worried me more were the consequences of this entire situation.
The convoy eventually slowed down and came to a stop in front of a large building surrounded by high walls. The gate slowly opened, and the cars drove in one by one. The inner courtyard was spacious, and the buildings were dark and imposing. I stepped out of the car, and as I glanced around, I noticed several people watching us from the windows of the building.
The general gestured for me to follow him. The men in black silently fell in behind us, as if following a carefully rehearsed choreography. We passed through a massive archway and entered a long corridor. Our footsteps echoed in the quiet space.
We stopped in front of a door. The general looked at me, then entered without knocking. After a brief moment of hesitation, I followed him.
Inside, a spacious but sparsely furnished room awaited. A single long table stood in the middle, and at one end of it sat Michael. His face looked worn, but his gaze was sharp and alert. When he saw me, he tilted his head slightly, as if assessing why I was here.
For a moment, we just stared at each other, then I sighed and broke the silence.
"I came to apologize."
A faint, bitter smile appeared on Michael's lips.
"Apologize?" he repeated, as if tasting the word. "I suppose that's something."
The general stood behind me with his arms crossed, clearly not intending to intervene.
"Look," I continued, "I'm not saying I didn't deserve the consequences, but… I think the situation escalated a bit faster than it should have."
Michael remained silent for a moment, then leaned back in his chair.
"You know," he finally said, "I'm not the type to hold grudges. But next time you decide to kick someone off a rooftop, maybe think twice about whether it's worth it."
He seemed amused. It reminded me a bit of my friend Elis's playful nature.
A faint smile appeared on my face as well.
"Understood," I replied.
Michael nodded and stood up.
"Then that's settled, isn't it?"
The general finally spoke behind me.
"I'm afraid it's not completely settled. The ruler wants to speak with her as well."
Michael snorted.
"Of course. Why wouldn't he?"
But he seemed to think it was unnecessary.
The general gave a slight nod, then turned and headed for the door. I remained next to Michael for a moment before finally following.
As I stepped out of the room, I felt the air around me grow slightly heavier. Walking down the long corridor, it became increasingly clear that this day was far from over. Yet, oddly enough, everything felt lighter. I just had to stay calm.
"Hey, little girl!" I heard the now familiar, friendlier voice.
I turned back, ignoring my escorts, a kind smile on my face. I felt free, not fragile in the slightest.
Michael watched me silently for a moment, then laughed.
"Honestly, I'm not mad at you at all," he said easily. "Actually, I think you refreshed my bones a little."
He stretched playfully.
"I don't fall off rooftops every day, so I guess I should be grateful. Besides, you didn't know I was harmless."
I knew he wasn't angry, but his reaction still surprised me. Yet he seemed sincere—there was no resentment, no grudge. Just a friendly smile.
"Then… okay," I finally said, because I couldn't think of anything else.
"I hope we meet again," he added, waving briefly before we parted ways.
I walked back to the car, and as I got in, I glanced at the blond general. He said nothing, only cast a barely noticeable, satisfied look at me, as if marking the matter as closed. Then they bid farewell to Michael, and we set off on the return journey.