Sianor didn't know how to answer.
He stood still for a moment, his brow tightening as the silence in the hall stretched. A few leaders shifted in their seats, waiting.
Sorien stepped forward at last. "Sovereign Sianor… accept it."
Sianor blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
His eyes narrowed as he turned toward Sorien. "What do you mean by that?"
He lifted a hand and pointed sharply at Pelion. "They're a demonic faction. They cannot be trusted."
Sorien didn't step back. He met Sianor's gaze calmly. "I know. But this isn't about trust."
Sianor frowned deeper, clearly irritated. "Then what is it about?"
Before Sorien could answer, Arden stepped forward as well. "It's exactly because they can't be trusted that we should accept."
Sianor's gaze shifted to him. "Explain."
Arden gave a small nod. "If they break their word… then they prove they're unfit to stand as a Grand Faction."
He paused, letting the words settle. A faint murmur rippled through the hall.
