Liam's voice grew resolute, "Zalya, I disagree. Yes, they're weak. One blow from an ascendant might wipe out dozens. But how many villagers are here? Thousands, right? If they united and resisted, they might have a fighting chance. Or, at the very least, create a diversion for the elderly and kids to escape. Yet they choose self-preservation over unity, allowing fear to dictate their actions. I'm not belittling them for their choices, but pointing out a harsh reality."
He paused, taking a deep breath, "Helping them all is a luxury Zalya, luxury we simply can't afford with our current strength. If it comes down to a choice between their lives and ours, for me, the answer is clear."
Zalya paused, deep in thought. "You cannot blame them for reacting as they did. Their lives were turned upside down in an instant, and Is that truly you speaking, or Irys?"
She thought, 'Liam's words sound so much like what Irys would usually say.'
