Kyra glances back at Alix, one eyebrow raised. "A king, huh?"
Alix's expression doesn't change. He doesn't deny it—nor does he confirm it. "You have good eyes, Verrin."
Verrin smiles faintly. "Just experience."
Bragg snorts, clapping his massive hand on Verrin's shoulder. "Careful, you'll make him blush."
Kyra smirks. "I doubt he even knows how."
The group laughs lightly, the tension from the battle dissolving into the mist.
Mave looks out toward the horizon where the forest stretches endlessly into fog. His voice turns quieter. "You know… if only we could leave this continent."
Bragg glances at him. "Huh?"
Mave shrugs, his tone half wistful, half teasing. "I heard the lower continents are free lands—less controlled by the top forces. If we could get there, a Tier Six group like us could build a kingdom. I heard that's enough power to rule."
Toren chuckles. "Build a kingdom, he says. You'd probably drink yours dry in a week."
Kyra grins. "And tax the ale first."
