"No worries, I've got it all sorted out. But hey, if you're skeptical, go ahead and double-check for yourself," Aurianna said, flashing a reassuring smile. Helua nervously nodded.
Helua's hand trembled as she conjured a glowing red light that enveloped Aurianna. After a few tense minutes, the crimson radiance faded away. "No need to fear, the mark is inactive," Helua confirmed, prompting a collective sigh of relief from the room's assembled orcs and goblins.
"Apologies for not fully trusting you, Princess," Helua admitted, her voice tinged with unease. "We've had our fair share of betrayal cases in the past, so we've learned to be cautious—especially when dealing with humans," she added, bowing slightly before locking eyes with Aurianna, who returned her warm gaze.
"Don't blame yourself one bit. In your shoes, I'd probably do the same and even resort to extreme measures," Aurianna remarked, her tone cold that sent shivers down everyone's spines.
