"Normally, they don't have to think twice about it," Haryntha corrected quietly.
"You've made them think twice."
Jolthar sighed and leaned back slightly, his gaze drifting upward toward the darkening sky above the balcony.
"Deities," he said at last, his voice calm but edged with contempt, "wear grand titles, demand worship, and drown themselves in ceremonies, yet beneath all that divinity, they behave no differently from emperors drunk on power. They thrive on fear, on submission, on convincing mortals that obedience is virtue."
The words settled heavily between them.
Haryntha inhaled slowly, as though steadying herself before stepping onto dangerous ground.
"You truly despise them."
Jolthar let out a faint laugh without humor.
"Should I admire them instead?"
"Yes," she answered immediately, surprising even herself with the sharpness of her tone.
"Or at the very least understand what they are before condemning them."
Jolthar turned his head toward her.
