After a moment of silence, everyone lost in their own thoughts, Evrin finally spoke up, "Are you saying you sympathize with the emperor and don't want to make this deal anymore?"
The others turned their gazes to Damian. No one said a word, but their cold, questioning eyes said enough.
"No," Damian replied firmly. "Fuck the emperor. And fuck Dawnstar—and every other kingdom, for that matter. I don't want to choose. Neither side is innocent, and I refuse to help one side trample the other."
Sam broke the silence for the first time. "Then what's this all about, buddy? What are you trying to tell us? Why did you call us here?"
Damian took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he met each of theirs. There was a spark in his voice, something steadfast yet brimming with hope.
"I want to build a city."
Their eyes widened in shock, but Damian didn't give them a chance to interrupt.
