Foundation (2)

The Cursed Serpent slowly laid his hands on the table, his claws barely scraping the wood. His ancient golden eyes remained fixed on Cliff, piercing, merciless. When he spoke, his voice resonated with a gravity that seemed to press down on every soul in the room.

"Until now, you have not yet concretely accepted our agreement, Sovereign."

Silence fell, thick and charged with tension.

Violetta, seated a few paces away, gently turned her gaze toward Cliff. Her eyes, deep and luminous, seemed to probe every flicker of emotion on his face. It was not curiosity. It was a silent expectation.

"What have you decided?" pressed the Cursed Serpent, his voice softer now but no less cutting. "And what will my daughter's position be in all this?"