The air in the council hall was as thick as congealed lead.
After William said, "This debt is just between you and me," his chest heaved violently.
The sharp pain from his broken ribs kept him lucid, and he glared at Allen, who sat across the long table.
Allen's deep blue eyes were like two bottomless, dry wells.
"I was the one who failed to deliver on my promise to reduce casualties by 70%. So, speak, William. What compensation do you want? Magic Stones, technology, legions, mineral veins… I could even personally build an iron wall for Aiselan. All are on the table."
His flat tone was more despair-inducing than any sophistry or arrogance.
Time ticked by, second by second.
The sounds of weeping and the dull thuds of hammers nailing coffins shut drifted in from outside, seeping through the crack under the door into the dim room.
