The street still seemed to carry the echo of the battle. Dust still hung in the air, broken windows revealed the damage, and the tavern... the second floor was practically destroyed. The blown-out facade exposed beams, broken furniture hung precariously, and the roof sagged at odd angles.
Amid the uncomfortable silence, Raven slowly descended the steps to the tavern's entrance. The woman was tall, her apron stained with beer and dried blood, but what truly commanded respect was her gaze—calm, steady, as if nothing that had happened was new to her.
Behind her, the murmur of curious patrons began to emerge, muffled voices discussing what they had just seen. But no one dared approach too closely.
Kael turned, his face tense, and pointed at the three of them. "Kneel. Now."
Irelia's eyes widened. "What?"
"You heard." His voice cut through the air like a blade. "Kneel before the owner of the establishment you destroyed."
