As Aric looked his father in the eyes, his expression hardened, every word measured and cutting.
"You need not ask this of me," he said, his voice quiet, but his intent loud, "but rest assured, they will pay with their lives and more." His gaze was as fixed as iron, the promise filling the room like a silent echo.
Xavier's eyes lingered on his son, the lines on his face deepening in the torchlight as if carrying unspoken regrets. Though the emperor's face remained firm, there was a glimmer—perhaps relief, perhaps something else entirely—that faded as quickly as it had appeared.
After a moment, Xavier finally nodded, as if that single gesture carried all the words a father and son might never say aloud.
