"Well, it is either you leave, Mister Arino, or face the exact same fate. What do you choose?" one of the mages threatened coldly.
Arino was stunned by the man's sheer audacity. He turned his gaze back to Chris, but the leader seemed completely unbothered by the hostility.
"How dare you say that to me?!" Arino growled. "Are we turning on our own people now?!"
Chris offered Arino a warm, disarming smile. "Pay no mind to his sharp tongue, Arino. He is simply deeply devoted to our survival cause. I cannot bring myself to blame him for speaking impulsively, especially when your stance makes it appear as though you don't care about our people's future."
"I know exactly what you are playing at, Chris," Arino said, his voice dropping.
