A deep silence fell over the shattered grounds, heavy enough that even the ruined air felt still.
The distant chirps of the birds cut off abruptly. The faint breeze shifted course, almost like it was avoiding something unseen. It brushed past broken stone and scorched earth. Above it all, the sun kept watching the lands it loomed over, warm and majestic as ever.
Kaelor's big confession made everyone freeze in place. Even Soulforge Throgar, who had been waiting there absentmindedly, reacted. Both of his faces turned at once. One twisted into horror, and the other lit with deep excitement. The change was so sharp it looked like a switch had been flipped inside him.
"You… Why did you…" Aryvn stuttered, staring at him with wide eyes. She couldn't find the words to address this demented pile of metal standing in front of her like a walking monument to insanity.
