Chapter 595: The Mark of Those Who Stand
"Micah," Sophia said with a smile as Micah started moving forward. "Accepted into the ranks as a guard."
The words settled into the air, and for a moment, everything around Micah seemed distant.
The noise.
The people.
The cold.
None of it mattered.
He moved forward anyway—steady, measured steps carrying him toward the front where Gregory stood waiting.
Gregory held a tray with jewelry coloured white and red; he stood next to Brynhild.
Gregory's gaze landed on Micah as he approached.
"What would you like?" he asked with a smile.
Micah didn't hesitate.
"An earring."
Gregory nodded once, reaching down and picking one feathered piece, then passed it to Brynhild.
She took it carefully.
Her movements were precise, practiced.
Then she tilted her head slightly in Micah's direction, a faint smile forming on her lips.
"You'll have to take it from me," she said calmly. "Unless you want me to accidentally pierce your eye."
Micah blinked.
