It’s time to begin

Silence flooded the hall like poisoned wine in the wake of Kaen's words. Heavy. Clinging. Paralyzing.

Kaen raised a brow, his gaze sweeping the room with icy amusement. "What, no one?" he said, dragging the last word like he was testing how deep his disdain could cut. "So much pride. So many great names... and not a single one with courage?"

King Aldrich stood still. Rigid. His eyes didn't falter, but he didn't take a step forward either. There was no shame in him—only something heavier. Like he'd known the answer before the question was even asked. He said nothing. And that, in itself, was his answer.

"Ha," Renald scoffed. "If someone from our generation is going to be humiliated, I'd rather it be her." He jerked his chin toward Calista. "I choose her."

Maren followed a second later. Silent. Back straight. Cold as ice.