The male minister turned to the First Fang. "Our First Fang, if you don't mind," he said, receiving a shallow nod of permission. He then fixed his gaze on me. "Lady Cyrina, you speak of trust, but let me remind you: trust is not built on pretty logic. You claim to trust us because we are outsiders, but is that truly enough for us to trust you?"
"You say you trust us because we cannot be bent by kingdoms," the First Fang added, her voice echoing as she stepped down from the platform. "Because we are isolated. Because we are... useful to you."
She stopped directly in front of me, standing face-to-face. I didn't back down, but I felt Kael shift immediately, stepping forward to stand right behind my shoulder like a silent, protective wall.
"But what I believe," she said, her golden eyes locking onto mine, "is that trust is built on risk."
I felt Kael's presence behind me—still, silent… but ready.
A faint, sharp smile touched her lips as she glanced toward Kael.
