The Sentinel gestures to the inky shadows ahead, overlapping in such a way that they seem to form a doorway. Felix can barely make it out. He takes a last look at the cowl: its slanted eye holes, the odd worn cloth, the dimly visible markings, before he tucks it into his armor and steps through. It’s much too late to hesitate now.

Oddly enough, the shadow door leads right back through the Nexus gateway, depositing both mages back in the courtyard where they began. Does the geography of the shadows exist entirely at the daedra’s whim? Apparently so. Nocturnal is waiting for them, this time, poised before the well, her crows cocking their heads in unison at the arrivals.

Felix steps as close as he dares before bowing, pulling the cowl out to proffer. “Lady Nocturnal, we have retrieved your cowl from those who stole it.”

“You’ve returned quickly,” she remarks, extending a hand. “Well then, let me see the proof of your success.”