Alix tilts his head slightly, as if pondering it for a moment. His voice is composed, but his words are deliberate.
"I can agree to your first request," he says. "You'll command your forces."
Astram nods once, accepting.
Alix's gaze sharpens.
"But for your second request…" He pauses, voice hardening. "I want the two of you—you and Veyrith—to join forces. Conquer the entire Caeland Continent. Together."
The room stills again. Veyrith's eyes flick toward Astram, then back to Alix. His brow furrows, tension rising in his jaw.
"You already know our history," Veyrith says tightly. "We've warred for generations. I don't think our forces can work together—peacefully. There's too much blood between us."
Alix steps forward slowly, each footfall deliberate. His presence grows heavier, colder.
"That's not my problem," he says, voice low. "If you become mine—truly mine—then fighting each other will be considered treason."
