Aelirenne watched Kael turn away, ready to leave with his decision already made—simple, direct, bloody. But something inside her screamed louder than fear or pride.
"Kael..."
He stopped, without turning around. His silence was more eloquent than any words.
"Everything is in chaos," she said, her voice lower but firm. "The clans are at war, the councils don't speak the same language, and my people... my people are divided, more than ever. The bloodline is corrupted by fanaticism and thirst for control, yes. But there are still the innocent, the young who were born into this and know no other truth."
She took a step forward, her bare feet touching the cracked steps of the platform.
"I... don't want any more unnecessary bloodshed. I already lost her father. I thought I lost Sylphie. I don't want to lose anyone else."
Kael remained silent for a second. Then he finally turned to face her.
