No one moved.
Not at first.
Aerin's words lingered in the water, threading through every current, pressing against every presence gathered around the ruined palace. The ocean itself seemed to hold its breath, suspended between conflict and something far more dangerous—cooperation.
The Pyre Court leader was the first to break the silence.
"You expect us," he said slowly, heat rippling along his armored form, "to stand beside creatures we've fought for centuries… and trust a force we don't understand?"
His gaze flicked sharply to the alien entity.
"And follow you?"
The challenge wasn't subtle.
It wasn't meant to be.
Aerin didn't flinch.
"Yes."
The answer struck harder than any attack.
No justification.
No persuasion.
Just certainty.
The Pyre Court leader's eyes narrowed, molten light intensifying behind them. "You mistake boldness for authority."
