He announced the verdict, his voice swelling with triumph.
"Then it's settled—" the old man said, his gaze finding Kael like a blade seeking its mark. "We shall depart from here."
The room buzzed to life, murmurs of agreement rippling through the crowd like wind through wheat. The atmosphere lightened, shoulders relaxed, and breaths came easier.
Most faces wore expressions of satisfaction, as though a great weight had been lifted from their shoulders.
But just as they assumed their future had been decided, Kael's voice cut through the celebration.
"Understood," he said, his tone flat as stone.
Smiles widened. Excitement flickered in their eyes.
"Those who want to leave… can leave," he continued, his words slicing through their growing relief like a blade through silk.
In an instant, the smiles vanished. Expressions darkened. Confusion took root, spreading like frost across their faces.
