Seraphina's brows knitted slightly as she sat in silence. It wasn't a matter of feigning solemnity—she genuinely was unsure how to respond.
She did not wish to become a Taoist couple with Bram.
Despite his remarkable talents, despite his royal lineage and the immense power the Vernal Dawn Dynasty commanded, she felt no draw to such an alliance.
A simple "no" would have to suffice, for she knew that trying to explain or reason further would be futile and unnecessary. Some things, like unreciprocated feelings or unwilling alliances, could not be negotiated.
Lyralei sat back in her chair, eyes narrowed with concern as she considered the delicate situation unfolding.
Around the main hall, the peak masters and elders exchanged thoughtful, troubled glances.
Bram's words had struck deep—he had effortlessly seized upon every weakness the Azure Origin Dao Sect currently harbored.
