Her tears roll freely, but her gaze… it is becoming hollow. Empty.
Alix sees her eyes. But he cannot bend here. He cannot show hesitation. His voice turns cold, unyielding.
"Give me an answer."
The wind stirs her hair. The warriors around her wait, breath held, every ear straining for her choice.
Velira swallows, her voice soft but firm enough to echo in the heavy silence.
"As the new leader of the Ashedge clan… we will uphold my father's wish."
She closes her eyes, as though forcing herself to sever what remains of her heart. When she opens them again, the tears still fall, but her words no longer tremble.
"Our clan will submit to the Erevaris Kingdom… and become your subordinates."
The wall is quiet, save for the sounds of warriors falling to their knees, the clatter of armor and weapons ringing like muted bells. The surrender spreads—not just as an act of will, but as inevitability.
