The side chamber was quiet. Too quiet.
Stone walls, a narrow table, and two stiff chairs that looked like they were designed to make people suffer. A single candle flickered in the corner, throwing long shadows.
I sat down, tapping my fingers nervously against my thigh.
Push-ups would help. Or squats. Or maybe a ten-kilometer run around the Capital. But Malrik had said "sit still". And sitting still was worse than fighting a bear.
Narsh lounged in the other chair, boot propped on the table. She looked completely at ease—like we weren't about to be judged by the most powerful priests in the city.
"You're fidgeting like a little b*tch," she said flatly.
"I'm not fidgeting," I protested, still tapping my thigh.
"You're shaking like you just drank ten pots of f*cking coffee."
"…What's coffee?"
"Doesn't matter. Stop looking like you're about to sh*t yourself."
---
I groaned, burying my face in my hands.
"What if they hate me, Narsh? What if they say I'm cursed, or evil, or… or I shouldn't exist?"
Narsh leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand. Her eyes softened, just a little.
"Then they can go f*ck themselves."
I blinked. "That's not really comforting."
"It is if you think about it. Who gives a flying goat's a** what a bunch of wrinkly old priests think? You saved people. That's real. Not some holy fart-smelling council."
"…Holy fart-smelling council?" I echoed, trying not to laugh.
She smirked. "Exactly. They can't erase what you've done, Ark. And if they try, well…" She cracked her knuckles. "…I'll make sure their ears burn before their gods do."
---
For a moment, the weight in my chest lifted.
I looked at her and smiled. "You know… sometimes, you're actually dependable."
Her face went red instantly.
"Shut the fck up! Don't say cheesy sht like that before a trial, dumbass!"
I chuckled, leaning back in the awful chair.
"Still… thanks."
She grumbled under her breath, but I caught the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
---
The door creaked open. Malrik stepped inside, his expression grave.
"They are ready. Ark… it is time."
My stomach dropped.
But Narsh leaned over and shoved me on the shoulder.
"Go knock 'em dead, muscle-head. And if you can't… I'll knock 'em dead for you."
I laughed weakly, but her words gave me strength.
Maybe enough to face whatever came next.