"No Bruce, Standing up to my father… has always been a dream of mine. Let me do this." Sophie voice was resolute.
Bruce exhaled, slow, steady, and a subtle nod formed.
If this was what she wanted, he would stand with her. Not in front of her. Not instead of her. With her. But he would never allow her to face this alone.
"Alright," he murmured, voice low, resolute. "I'm with you."
Something warm flickered through his eyes, quiet but unwavering. "And Sophie There's no need to feel anything, stand strong."
"I understand." Her breath stuttered, something raw and grateful passing through her expression before she steadied herself again. The aura outside drew closer. The air thickened until even the walls seemed to creak. Lamps quivered. The mana in the room recoiled as if bowing to something colossal. A distant step echoed, soft, controlled, but heavy enough that Bruce felt the floorboards tense like muscles beneath pressure.
