Silenced by Neph's raised hand, the roaring crowd grew quiet. An atmosphere of reverence and anticipation suffused the air, countless people looking at the brilliant figure that stood in the pouring sunlight above them.
Nephs inhaled deeply, and then spoke:
"People of the Homan Domain… I am Nephis of the Immortal Flame clan. I am Changing Star, daughter of Broken Sword and Smile of Heaven. My grandfather is long dead, my parents are gone, and my clan lies in ruin. Yet I still stand in front of you, unbroken. The edge of my sword is still sharp, and the flames of my soul are still burning. I have not bowed my head in the face of terror and annihilation."
She gazed at the sea of people below, white flames dancing in her eyes, washed over by the overwhelming intensity of their countless desires.
