Adriel stood frozen, his mind racing as the weight of the moonstone grew unbearable in his hand. Hale's expectant gaze bored into him, the cult leader's outstretched arms trembling with anticipation.
The room seemed to hum with an unnatural energy, as if the very air was holding its breath, waiting for Adriel's decision.
Ein shifted uneasily nearby, his arms crossed. His gaze flickered between the two, a silent tension building as even he began to doubt Adriel's resolve. He took a step forward, about to say something, but stopped himself.
This was Adriel's choice. Even if the heir made an absurd choice, Ein didn't want to force the weight of someone's life onto him.
Adriel's grip on the moonstone tightened with determination, then loosened with indecision. His thoughts were a whirlwind.
