The wind moved slowly through the Stone Valley, whispering across the rough cliffs like distant voices.
For several long seconds after Seraphine laughed, neither of us spoke.
Both sides waited.
Measured.
Watched.
Negotiations between leaders were rarely about the words spoken first. They were about patience, about seeing who filled the silence and who controlled it.
Seraphine studied me with open curiosity now, the playful challenge still lingering in her silver eyes.
“Good,” she repeated calmly. “I prefer dealing with leaders who think for themselves.”
Tarek shifted slightly beside me, but remained silent
Seraphine gestured toward a cluster of flat stones near the center of the clearing.
“Shall we sit?”
Mira spoke before I could respond.
“We’ll stand.”
Seraphine smiled faintl
