Kaelen's POV
Chaos erupted throughout the great hall.
Voices rose in confusion and protest, demanding answers I wasn't ready to give them yet.
I cut through the noise with authority that brooked no argument.
"Place your hand over your heart and pledge your allegiance to Ironfang and to me. Do it now!"
My command sliced through the air like a blade.
Nobody moved for several heartbeats.
Then gradually, reluctantly, they began to comply.
Hands rose to press against chests. Fear etched itself across some faces while others wore expressions of defiance. A few appeared resigned to their fate.
Helga lifted both arms high above her head.
The atmosphere around her began to change, subtle at first but growing more pronounced. An unnatural quiet descended over the room, as if the very air had inhaled deeply and forgotten to exhale.
