Silence.
A suffocating, deathly silence.
Even the roaring flames seemed to pause for a heartbeat.
Faces shifted instantly, shock, fear, disbelief. The soldiers all knew Demian was strict, intimidating, and unyielding… but never, never had they seen him like this.
Lira gasped and covered her mouth, Sera collapsed to her knees, shaking violently. Noel swallowed hard, wanting to speak but too terrified to make a sound.
None of them dared to look Demian in the eyes.
Every head bowed.
And among them stood one person who was not expecting this at all, Kaiser, the crown prince, who had arrived with several guards just moments ago.
Kaiser stared at Demian, stunned. He had known Demian for years, stern, disciplined, distant… but not like this.
Not with panic leaking through his expression. Not with his voice cracking ever so slightly when he spoke a certain name.
Kaiser stepped closer. "Demian… are you truly threatening all your men?"
