The Elder's Hall opened before Rael once more, its living arches gleaming with runelight. This time, his steps were steadier. His wounds still ached, but he walked without help, his shoulders squared beneath the weight of a hundred watching eyes.
Elves lined the chamber in silence. Some regarded him with awe, others with suspicion, but none looked away. A human in their sacred hall was a rarity, and this one had carried back the Grand Elder's granddaughter.
The five Elders sat in their crescent, their gazes sharp and unyielding. The air was heavy with judgment, though not the outright hostility Rael had felt before.
Elder Tharion's voice broke the quiet, deep and edged.
"Human. You walk again. Tell us—why risk your life for one not of your kind?"
Rael met his gaze, unflinching.
"I gave my word. Elara trusted me. That was reason enough."
A murmur stirred. Some scoffed, others leaned forward as though weighing his answer.
Elder Sylwen's eyes narrowed.
"Strange, that a man of iron and ash should speak of honor. What binds you to her? To us?"
Before Rael could answer, Evelyn stepped forward from the shadows of the crescent. Her presence silenced the hall. She carried herself not as a girl but as the Grand Elder's blood, her chin high, her voice clear.
"Must you question every breath he takes? Elara herself bore witness—are her words so light to you?" She swept her gaze across the Elders, her tone edged with steel. "He saved her when none of us could. Do you dishonor my cousin by doubting the truth she speaks?"
The Elders shifted, their silence conceding her point.
Then the hall stirred again as the Grand Elder himself entered. The gathered elves bowed their heads as he stepped to the center, his robe shimmering faintly with threads of green light. His eyes, stern yet steady, fell upon Rael.
"You stand before us a second time, Rael Drakenhart," he said, his voice calm but carrying through the chamber. "The forest has tested you, and my granddaughter owes you her life. For that, you have my thanks."
He paused, letting the words hang.
"But thanks is not trust. In three days' time, your deeds and your heart shall be weighed before the council, as is our law. Until then, you will remain among us—not as prisoner, nor as guest, but as one watched."
The hall murmured with agreement.
Rael bowed his head slightly. "I'll accept your judgment. I have nothing to hide."
The Grand Elder studied him a moment longer, then nodded once.
"Then so it shall be. Rest, Rael Drakenhart. The forest sees you."
As Rael turned to leave, the whispers of elves followed him—some doubtful, some curious, a few even