Orion hammered out the final details of the war council with the others.
Soon after, the horde elders began filing out of the castle, a palpable buzz of excitement radiating from the group.
"Orion," Marina said, falling into step beside him. "The Stoneheart Horde is even more badass than I imagined."
Orion just gave her a small, knowing smile. He reached into his tunic and produced an urn, holding it out to her.
She looked at it, then at him, a question in her eyes.
"There's an undead sealed inside," he said, his voice even. "An ancient, archlord-level giant-horned whale." He pressed it into her hand. "I'll feel better knowing you have this out at sea."
Marina didn't hesitate. She took the urn with a grin, her fingers tracing its surface as she felt the power thrumming within. She recognized it as his silent way of looking out for her, and she wouldn't dream of turning it down. A warmth spread through her chest, a gesture that meant more than any grand declaration.
