The platform remained tense even after Eileen was escorted away, her presence lingering like a poisonous afterimage in the air. People kept whispering about her constantly.
Only once the guards vanished into the living corridors of the world-tree did the Dark Elves slowly begin to breathe again.
They lowered all their weapons and eased their mana signatures, and the crowd continued to whisper uneasily while they dispersed, through more than a few glances were cast towards Jax with admiration.
Lyla remained where she was, shoulders squared, gaze fixed in the direction Eileen had been taken.
For several heartbeats, she said nothing. Then she exhaled slowly, the breath carrying far more weight than it should have.
"That could have ended far worse," Lyla said quietly, stepping closer to Jax.
Jax turned to face her fully, golden eyes steady, "It still might," he replied. "But it won't end on her terms."
