The three of them stood motionless, as the chaos of the kingdom's surroundings were muted in the tense silence. The fires and distant cries seemed worlds away, drowned out by the weight of this sudden meeting.
It was Seline who finally broke the stillness. She stepped forward cautiously, her voice was soft but urgent:
"Thane—"
Her movement was met with an immediate response. Thane shifted back, his boots were scraping against the stone, and his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his claymore strapped to his back. His gaze hardened, his red hair catching the faint glow of nearby flames.
"Don't come any closer."
His voice was cold, laced with suspicion.
"What is it this time? Here to backstab me again?"
The accusation hit Seline like a blow. She froze mid-step, and her hands were trembling slightly.
"No! No, it wasn't like that!"
She said hurriedly, her voice was tinged with desperation.
