The tension in the was thick that you could just reach out and grab it. Vell's smirk lingered as he straightened up, towering over Jolly, who remained frozen on the ground. He glanced at Yenna once more, his expression unchanging.
"You're over it, huh?" he repeated, his tone light but his words laced with something deeper. "Well, I'm not."
Jolly's head snapped up, her eyes wide with fear. "Please, I—"
"Save it," he interrupted, holding up a hand. "You already said your peace. Now it's time to act. You say you're willing to do anything?" His eyes glinted dangerously.
"I am," she said firmly, though her voice wavered. She kept her gaze locked on the ground, trembling.
He crouched down again, bringing his face level with hers. His voice softened, though it didn't lose its edge. "Then prove it. You're going to help us take down the queen."
The words hit her like a punch to the gut. She glanced up in shock. "Me? But I—"
