All the fourteen grandmasters bowed their heads, the flame's glow flickering across their faces.
The moment stretched, broken only when Roland finally stepped forward. His expression was calm, respectful, almost eager yet there was a faint tightness around his eyes.
"Your Majesty," Roland said, his voice carrying carefully measured reverence. "Peanu stands stronger with your presence here. We are honored."
Saturn's brown eyes swept over the gathered crowd. At last, he gave a single nod.
"This place," he said, his voice calm yet heavy, "I haven't set foot here in a long time. I never thought it would manage to surprise me like this. You've done well, Roland… but you failed where it mattered most. You should have laid down your life to protect the Ferans. When this is over, we will discuss it."
His words weren't loud, but they cut through the silence like thunder.
The factions shifted uneasily.
