Alister stepped forward, the golden flames flaring brighter, casting his face in stark light.
"And you," his grin sharpened, "brought that very opportunity to my doorstep."
He gestured to the burning skyline, where dragons streaked through the air battling against rampaging horrors, saving civilians from collapsing buildings and raging fires.
"Thanks to this chaos, people will say," his voice lowered, deliberate and chilling, "that perhaps a tyrant is a cruel concept. But a tyrant who ensures the safety of the people? Perhaps that tyrant might just be a savior, even if his laws are ironclad."
The fires roared louder as Alister's eyes locked onto Kai, his smile cold and victorious.
"So, from the bottom of my heart, Kai, thank you."
Alister's golden flames pulsed, brighter and steadier than before, as he slowly lowered his arms. His eyes never left Kai's, sharp and unyielding.
"As for the question you asked earlier," his tone shifted, colder, almost final.
