Jack sat in the council chamber, his fingers drumming against the polished wooden table. Around him, the echoes of the vote still lingered in the air.
The decision had been made.
The alliance had rejected his plan.
Despite the strong arguments, the risks of attacking the Iron Dome of Dragons had been deemed too great. The Dwarves were hesitant, the Beastkin wary, and the human warlords unwilling to commit. Even Katrina, despite her confidence, had been unable to sway them.
The moment the final vote was cast, Jack saw the disappointment flicker across her face. But in her eyes, he also saw something else—determination.
As the council members dispersed, murmuring about alternative strategies, Jack and Katrina remained seated.
"This was a mistake," Katrina muttered, her arms crossed tightly. "They're all too afraid to take a real risk. They don't understand what's at stake."