"You speak heresy," Korreth said, his voice dangerous.
"I speak survival," Jorghan shot back. "And if survival is heresy, then your traditions are already dead. You just haven't admitted it yet."
The tension was so thick it was almost suffocating. Korreth looked ready to physically attack Jorghan. Vel'moth was vibrating with barely contained violence. Even Vel'sara's calm seemed strained.
Then Morden spoke, his deep voice cutting through the chaos.
"He's right."
Every head turned to stare at the young brown elf warrior.
"Morden—" Korreth began.
"He's right, Father," Morden repeated, his tone respectful but firm. "I've spoken with warriors from all three clans. We've trained together, fought together in small skirmishes. We know our traditions say we're separate, but at the warrior level—we're already unified. We already trust each other."
