Aengus's tone softened slightly as he reassured the two Nagas. "Don't worry, I won't mistreat you. And one day, if I am pleased by your loyalty, I will grant you the freedom to choose whether to serve me or not. You can decide then."
With that, he turned away, heading toward one of the dead bodies, leaving Sienna and her father, Sanka, to exchange a heavy glance.
Sanka sighed deeply, his voice filled with remorse. "Daughter, it's all my fault for dragging you into this mess. I am such a failure."
Sienna tried to comfort him, forcing a cheerful tone. "I'm fine, Father. This was all written in our fate. And who knows? Our fortune might turn for the better by following him."
"But what about your mother and brother?" Sanka asked, his worry clear. "Will he let us meet them? If I don't return in time, won't they be left alone and at the mercy of those cruel people?"
