Rask opened his mouth to respond, but Lyra spoke again before he could.
"That's not reconsideration."
Her tone dropped slightly.
"That's poaching."
A ripple moved through the crowd.
The word carried weight.
Rask's jaw tightened.
One of the captains behind him stepped forward angrily.
"Watch your words—"
Rask raised his hand without looking back.
But Lyra's death stare was enough to stop him before he continued
The captain trembled at the pressure of both captains and stopped immediately.
For a moment the two commanders simply stared at each other.
Neither willing to give an inch.
Arthur watched quietly from behind Lyra.
She didn't even hesitate.
Not once.
He didn't miss the fact that she stepped in front of him without asking anything first.
Rask exhaled slowly through his nose.
Then he gave a short laugh.
"So you plan to keep him."
Lyra answered without delay.
"Yes."
"Even if he becomes a problem?"
Lyra finally allowed a faint smile.
