Then an apeling spoke up, his voice edged with boldness. "And yet, the agreement never stated that we were not allowed to enter the cursed lands."
The words hung like a thrown spear.
For a heartbeat, neither side moved. The generals' eyes gleamed with subtle shifts of interest. The snake-haired woman tilted her head, serpents stirring as though savoring the silence.
Zirikon stirred, parting his lips to break the stalemate. But before his voice could sound, Krogan raised his hand slowly, deliberately. The hall stilled again, his gesture commanding the silence.
Krogan's hand lowered slowly, his gaze sweeping over the godlings. His tone shifted, less edged but no less commanding.
"Let me start first by taking a step back and reflect on my actions. I was in the wrong for appearing unannounced in territories under the watch of your kind. I could have done better, made my intentions known. On that, I will not argue."
