Vale POV
The governor's office was quiet except for the faint ticking of a wall clock.
Vale stood near the desk.
His report was already given to the governor.
The man behind the desk leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled, studying him with a calm expression that didn't quite hide the weight of his thoughts.
"So they defeated the serpent?" the governor finally asked.
"Yes," Vale replied.
"Hm…" A low hum came from the governor's throat.
He didn't speak again right away.
Instead, he turned his gaze toward the large window.
His eyes on the city beyond.
On his city.
His thoughts seemed far from the room, running in places Vale couldn't follow.
The pause stretched until Vale decided to speak again.
"They also captured nagas that were still alive."
The words were neutral, but his tone carried the concern he felt. He didn't need to explain why. Both of them knew what living captives meant.
