From the edge of the crowd, Vorrack watched it all unfold—a silent spectator, his expression carefully neutral. But beneath that mask, satisfaction bloomed in his chest, warm and intoxicating. He didn't need to fan the flames. The fire was already spreading on its own.
"What nonsense are you spouting? Just because Kael disagreed with the Elder's decision, that makes him a murderer?" Lira shot back, her voice sharp and unwavering. Though outnumbered, she refused to back down.
Even if the entire village turned against him, she would stand by Kael. She knew him. She trusted him. He wasn't the kind of person who would stoop to murder, no matter the provocation.
"Lira—" Dessa's voice cut through, smooth and deliberate. "We know you're fond of Kael. And because of that, you'd defend him even if he were the culprit. But this isn't the time to be blinded by love. The future of this village is at stake."
