Dust still hung in the air, even after Raven had restored the tavern as if nothing had happened. The contrast was almost surreal: seconds before, broken beams, crumbled walls, shattered windows; now, everything was perfect, clean, immaculate—except for the tension that still burned in the chest of each person present.
Kael took a deep breath. His aura, which had previously been severe, now slowly receded. The weight of the battle and the argument still lingered on his face, but the tone of his voice changed when he spoke:
"You may rise."
The three, kneeling before Raven, slowly rose. Irelia was the first to stand, her face still hard, but her eyes filled with wounded pride. Sylphie stood soon after, sighing as if the order had been a relief. Amelia finally stood more composedly, keeping her gaze fixed on Kael.
The silence was broken by his voice, firm as steel, but more controlled:
