The silence in the throne hall felt heavy, like fog pressing down on one's chest.
Aurelia still stood in the middle of the room, while the three Shadow Kings watched her from atop the black stone platform.
Blue flames on the walls flickered gently, as if sharing in the tension that filled the space.
Kael leaned casually in his chair.
Yet his dark red eyes remained fixed on Aurelia without blinking.
Orion sat upright like a war statue.
His gaze was sharp and calculating.
Meanwhile, Ragnar stood at the edge of the platform, his arms crossed over a broad chest like a stone wall.
Aurelia broke the silence.
"You offered an alliance."
Her voice was calm.
"But you haven't explained why I should trust you."
Kael smiled slightly.
"Straight to the point."
He rose from his chair and walked down from the platform.
His steps were light, almost inaudible on the stone floor.
"Very well."
He stopped a few paces away from Aurelia.
"I'll be honest."
