Clair and Cerro entered the hall, finding all the chiefs from the kingdom's four regions already seated.
The gathering was exclusive, at Averith's insistence, anticipating an intense meeting that could potentially escalate into arguments or even feuds among them.
"We're here to report on the condition of the pit," Cerro began.
"Go on. Tell us," Averith commanded, her gaze fixed squarely on Clair rather than Cerro.
"Many of us here have witnessed the pit's alarming growth. We suspect the welvethors are preparing for another war. If they succeed in breaching our defenses and reaching our home, it won't be easy to stop them, especially with Father still vulnerable... If they succeed, evil could potentially reign over us all," Cerro reported grimly.
Many chiefs exchanged worried glances, others began discussing among themselves.
"We've heard your troubling news. Have you brought any good news as well?" Averith asked, her voice tinged with hope.
"Yes, there is... There's a way to stop the pit's growth," Cerro announced.
The murmurs in the hall faded into silence.
"Claireth has the ability. Many here have witnessed it," he revealed confidently.
"That's a relief," Averith breathed, then turned to Clair. "I'll entrust this task to you, Claireth. Just let us know what you need," she offered.
Claireth strode purposefully to the center of the platform. Her face betrayed no emotion, yet her presence carried a weight that seemed ready to burst. With all eyes fixed upon her, she began to speak.
"I fell in love with a hivrin... a hivrin with a kind heart and a pure soul. He has become more important to me than my own life. I am willing to do whatever you ask, to take the risk. And if I succeed, I plead with the law to grant me the freedom to love him openly. If I succeed, allow me to be with him, even if it means sacrificing who I am." Clair spoke with unwavering faith and eagerness, feeling a release as the truth left her lips.
"Are you also implying that you're willing to trade your responsibilities for that love?" Averith's voice remained calm, but an undertone of upset tinged her words.
The chiefs displayed varying reactions, most skeptical, yet Clair remained steadfast.
"I cannot neglect my duties... I appeal for your understanding," she replied firmly.
"Never before has such a request been made. It clearly violates our laws - laws that uphold our unity and preserve peace in this place. We all recognized your uniqueness among us, but granting your request would undermine the very foundation of Henthel and jeopardize all angthens. You know I cannot allow that. Therefore, I regret to say I cannot permit you to bond with that hivrin... even if it means you must decline the task of protecting our home," Averith declared, her authority as the highest chief resonating in her words. "If you refuse to sever your connection with him, then we will detain him until you comply," she added, her gaze piercing Clair with intensity.
Clair felt a wave of alarm wash over her, shattering her resolve. Hopelessness and fear gripped her.
"Elder, please reconsider. We need her at her fullest capacity for the task. We don't have much time," Cerro implored urgently.
"The majority of the elders stand with me. The decision is final. We will proceed even without her. This meeting will now address another important matter," Averith announced firmly. With those words spoken, she poised to discuss their strategy to thwart the spread of evil. Yet, before she could utter another word, Clair erupted from the ground and soared through Henthel's great gate.
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Divine & Wicked: The Trapped Memories (Book2)
Fantasy(Fantasy•Romance) COMPLETED Zach woke up with an addled mind and empty heart a few days after his surgery. He seemed to feel that his life had begun again. As he continued with what he thought was his normal life, fragments of his lost past slowly b...
