Hearing Vikram's confirmation, silence filled the hall.
Neither the Mist King nor the Sand King spoke immediately. Their gazes remained fixed on him.
After a long moment, the Mist King finally broke the silence.
"You've changed."
Vikram lowered his head and nodded. "I have."
The Mist King studied him carefully. The arrogance and recklessness that had once defined his grandson were noticeably absent this time.
The Sand King also observed Vikram for a moment before speaking. "So, you've finally cooled down?"
Vikram felt a wave of relief at the calm tone. He took a deep breath.
"I have. I've remembered everything. I know what I did. I know how foolish I was."
The Mist King remained expressionless. "Do you?"
Vikram nodded firmly.
"I acted without thinking. I let my anger control me. I blamed everyone else… when the one who made the mistake was me."
The hall fell silent once again. Kara and Carol stood quietly behind Vikram, neither of them interrupting.
