The air thickened around the platform as Elder Harran gave a slight nod from his seat.
It was subtle, barely more than the tilt of a chin, but Protector Vareth saw it.
"It's time," he muttered as if doing this wasn't easy for him, too.
He straightened his stance at once and stepped forward, his voice ringing clear across the ritual hall.
"In the presence of Elder Harran of the Kannan Empire," he began, his tone full of weight and ceremony, "and Lord Qiren of the Velharis Empire, we now commence the Rite of Purification."
Ethan blinked slowly, his eyes steady on Vareth as the man spoke.
'Purification, huh? I've heard worse ways to dress up murder.' His thoughts sharpened, but his face showed nothing.
Vareth went on, voice rising like he was standing before thousands instead of a dozen.
"Before us stand five individuals who have been granted a most sacred role. Chosen not by man, but by fate. Chosen to serve the empires in the noblest way known to us, through sacrifice."
