The weight of the discussion lingered in the chamber, pressing down on every man and woman present, but it did not remain stagnant, because once the truth had been laid bare, action could no longer be delayed behind caution alone. King Highmoor stood in silence for a brief moment, his gaze fixed on the map before him, yet it was clear his thoughts had already moved beyond it, beyond Valerion, beyond even the immediate threat, and toward the one decision that could not be ignored any longer.
"We will not remain silent," he said at last, his voice steady, carrying authority that cut cleanly through the heaviness in the room.
Commander Alexander lifted his head slightly, already anticipating the direction of the king's thoughts, while Henrietta's eyes sharpened with quiet focus.
