"Do you own this grove?" asked Lyon.
As Lyon's question hung in the air, a palpable tension settled over the scene. Karesh's features contorted in disbelief, a mixture of shock and indignation overtaking his expression. The audacity of Lyon's inquiry was like a slap across his face, challenging the very foundation of his unspoken authority within the grove.
His initial defiance wavered, his eyes flickering between Lyon and the ground as if searching for the right words to respond. The realization that his attempt at exerting authority was being exposed created a sense of defeat that gnawed at his pride. Karesh had projected himself as a figure of influence, an effort to command the respect of his peers, but Lyon's pointed question had laid bare the truth.
