The boy was still trembling, kneeling before them, when Strax finally broke the silence. His voice was low, but charged with decision, cutting through the tension like a whip.
"Only Samira comes with me." He turned to the others, his golden eyes glowing like embers about to devour dry wood. "The rest of you, stay. Rest. Conserve your energy. We don't need an army to deal with rats who play with fire."
The others exchanged silent glances. Cassandra frowned, as if to protest, but the weight of Strax's decision fell like a hammer. Even Scarlet, who always seemed ready to defy, crossed her arms and merely arched an eyebrow, saying nothing.
Samira, however, stepped forward. Her expression was firm, and there was an almost childlike glint of excitement in her eyes. "Just me, then." The corner of her lips curved into a brief but fierce smile.
Strax merely nodded.
