Packed tightly together, filling the entire chest. The light from the torches reflected off their surfaces, casting a faint golden glow across the hall.
"…Five thousand gold coins," Caelus said.
His voice was steady, but quieter than before.
"As requested."
Aiden didn't move immediately.
He looked at the chest for a moment, then let his gaze shift slightly, taking in the reactions around him. The tension. The unease. The quiet resentment that no one dared to voice.
Then he stood.
Slowly.
He stepped down from his seat and walked toward the chest, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor.
When he reached it, he looked inside.
A faint smile appeared.
"Not bad."
He crouched slightly, picking up a single coin between his fingers. He turned it once, examining it under the light, then let it fall back into the chest with a soft clink.
Satisfied.
He straightened.
"This is a good start," Aiden said.
Then his eyes shifted to Caelus.
