Heart Of Yggrisial [6] [Aetheria]

"The Solace Kingdom demands that the World Tree be handed over to the protection of the Demiurge."

A heavy, suffocating silence lingered within the hall.

Hayes's sapphire eyes scanned the room, his professional smile faltering ever so slightly as he registered everyone's glare at him.

"I'll take that as a humorless joke," Nerissa said, her chin resting on her hand, faint disdain in her voice.

"Regretfully, this is no joke," Hayes replied smoothly, forcing his smile to remain intact. "It is the sincere demand of the Solace Kingdom—"

"Then we can end this meeting right here," Nerissa cut into his words. "It's impossible. Handing over Yggdrasil to lesser beings is out of the question."

"Lesser beings?" Hayes tilted his head, feigning confusion.

"I was under the impression that you elves care more about Yggdrasil than your pride. Or am I mistaken?"