But before Alex could defend himself, Boulder spoke up.
"Saintess Amber," the second said slowly.
"With respect... I also examined the salt. With my earth-sense. I detected no corruption, no shadow, nothing but pure preservation magic."
Amber whirled on him. "Your earth-sense is not the same as spiritual sight—"
"But it IS attuned to corruption," Boulder interrupted, unusually firm. "It's literally my job to detect threats to the tribe. And I'm telling you—this salt is clean."
"Boulder is right," one of the older advisors added—the scarred female from yesterday. "I examined it too. There's no darkness."
Amber's perfect composure cracked—just for a second, fury flashing across her face.
Then she smoothed it away, turning back to the tribe with a sad expression.
"Perhaps I was mistaken," she said softly. "Perhaps my concern for the tribe made me too cautious. I apologize."
[SHE'S BACKING DOWN BUT NOT APOLOGIZING TO YOU! Classic Manipulation! ]
