Soren didn't raise his voice. Didn't rush. Didn't fall into the trap of letting emotion drive his words.
Instead, he stood there with the kind of absolute calm that suggested he'd been waiting for exactly this confrontation, had anticipated every argument, and was about to dismantle them with the precision of a master strategist who'd already won the war before the first battle began.
He turned the ring slowly between his fingers, letting the ice-blue stone catch the light, letting the silence stretch just long enough that every person in the hall was holding their breath waiting for his response.
When he spoke, his voice carried through the chamber with crystalline clarity.
"You speak of fear as though it is weakness, Mother."
The word 'Mother' landed differently this time. Still respectful. Still acknowledging their relationship. But with an edge underneath that suggested he was about to teach her something she'd somehow forgotten.
