Nobody spoke for several seconds after Kael’s words settled across the room.
The silence felt dangerous.
Not empty.
Not uncertain.
The kind that came when everyone realized the conversation had crossed into territory that couldn’t easily be walked back from.
The older northern leader held Kael’s gaze, his expression controlled but visibly tense now. “You’re taking this personally.”
Kael didn’t move. “You made it personal.”
Lyra felt the atmosphere tighten even further beside her. Every person in the room seemed aware that one wrong sentence could destroy whatever fragile restraint still existed between both sides.
“Eliminate the hostility,” Elena said firmly before the silence could harden further. “That’s not why we’re here.”
“No?” Kael replied coldly. “Then maybe your side shoul
