And, of course, Riley's decision was far from easily accepted by his family.
Aurora's father, Gaben, was perhaps the fiercest opponent of the idea of bringing his daughter to the forefront of war.
His eyes blazed with anger, his entire body radiating the force of a man who would not yield.
"Are you out of your mind, boy?! If you think you can convince me to let you drag my daughter into this war, you're sorely mistaken! You'd have to step over my corpse first, because I will never allow such madness!" Gaben bellowed, his voice echoing off the walls.
His hands clenched hard, knuckles whitening, as his gaze bore into Riley like a hammer striking steel.
Riley, on the other hand, stood calm, his posture relaxed, his gaze unwavering.
There was no hesitation in him, no flicker of doubt.
"Fine," he said slowly, each word measured and deliberate.
