Delilah felt somewhat curious—not about Torin, but rather about Orion.
She knew Orion to be an intelligent giant. He only wore that contemplative, half-lidded expression when he was torn between choices, creating a tense atmosphere. It was one of the small habits Delilah had observed in him.
"I'm very pleased with the tribute you've presented."
After a long silence, Orion's voice finally came from the throne. Torin's body froze, then slackened, as though narrowly escaping disaster.
"However, I don't understand the meaning of this contract. From what I've heard, Soaring Bird City is no longer under your control."
Orion picked up the contract from the fifth box. His deep voice resounded with effortless authority. Weighed down by that power, Torin didn't dare lift his head and look Orion in the eye.
Fear gnawed at Torin. He dreaded the possibility that Orion might fly into a rage and kill him on the spot.