The air froze after Ethan’s final words. All eyes turned to him, half in astonishment, half in hesitation. But in the deepening dusk of the ancient forest, no one dared to speak against him right away.
Eric clenched his fists, knuckles white. He wasn’t used to being in the minority, especially not when it came to matters of survival. His eyes glimmered with discontent.
“You’re being reckless.” Eric said, trying to keep his voice steady.
“Expanding territory sounds cool and all. But this isn’t a strategy game, Ethan. This is real. And they: “ he pointed directly at Reiner and Kaela: “just tried to kill us.”
Reiner bowed his head slightly, as if the words struck something inside. Kaela tightened her fists but stayed silent.
Ethan didn’t answer right away. He met Eric’s gaze, not confron
