"That's where you're wrong," Jorghan said quietly, dangerously.
"My voice carries weight because I'm the one willing to fight for survival while you argue about tradition. The Nuwe'rak listen to me. The Nue'roka survivors listen to me. And your own clan warriors listen to me, whether you acknowledge it or not."
"You threaten my authority?"
"I don't need to threaten it," Jorghan replied.
"It's already irrelevant. When the Empire comes, your authority won't mean anything. Only power will matter. And I have that power."
The air in the room felt electric, violence hovering just beneath the surface. Korreth's massive frame was tense, his warrior's instincts clearly warring with the knowledge that attacking Jorghan would be extremely unwise.
Sigora stepped between them, her presence commanding despite being smaller than her husband.
"Enough. Both of you. We are family, whether blood or chosen, and family does not tear itself apart before battle."
She looked at Korreth.
