CIAN
I walked back into the hall carrying Aldric's head by the hair.
Blood dripped from the severed neck. It left a trail across the floor behind me, dark spots on pale stone.
The hall had not settled. People were still moving, still whispering, still trying to process what had just happened.
They went silent when they saw me.
Every head turned.
Every eye locked on what I was carrying, then dragged lower, taking in the rest of me.
I was still naked.
Still soaked in blood that wasn't all his. It clung to my skin, dried in places, wet in others, streaked down my chest and legs as I had walked straight out of a slaughter.
I walked to the center of the hall and stopped in front of the elder's circle.
Then I let go.
The head hit the floor with a wet thud. It rolled once before coming to rest facing the gallery.
Aldric's eyes were still open. Staring at nothing.
