The council chamber was quieter than usual. The banners hung still, no drafts stirring the air, and yet the tension pressed heavy over everyone seated there.
Aamir stood in the center, his crimson cloak brushing the polished stone floor. His eyes, sharp and resolute, scanned the room before he finally spoke.
"I'm going back."
The words cut through the silence like a blade.
Raj pushed himself up from his seat immediately. "Then I'm coming with you."
Aamir shook his head firmly. "No. That's not right. You're the general here. You should stay. The resistance needs you more than I do."
Raj's fists clenched. "I'm not letting you shoulder this alone again, Aamir. I already watched you vanish for five years once."
But before he could argue further, another voice broke in.
Seenu leaned forward, his sword resting across his lap. His expression was calm, but his words carried weight. "Then let me come. If there's a battlefield waiting, my blade belongs there."
