The healing chamber slowly became quiet again.
Moments earlier the room had been full of laughter.
Tears of relief.
Warm embraces.
Joy after long pain.
But now everyone stood still again.
All eyes turned toward Lord Cassian.
He had just said something that caught everyone's attention.
A parable.
Sebastian leaned slightly forward.
"You told a story?" he asked.
Cassian nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Vivian wiped the last tear from her face.
"What kind of story?"
Cassian walked toward the large window of the healing chamber.
Outside, the capital was still celebrating.
Music echoed through the streets.
Lanterns swayed gently in the evening wind.
The people had not stopped cheering since the union was announced.
Cassian looked out at the city lights for a moment.
Then he spoke quietly.
"Many years ago… before the trials became as harsh as they are today… the council faced a difficult moment."
Alaric folded his arms.
"I remember that time."
