The words echoed through the trees. Her voice didn't waver, but her fists, clenched at her sides, trembled with strong emotions.
Quinlan blinked. Once. Twice.
Feng's mouth had fallen wide open. "What the hell…?!"
Serika remained bowed.
Long seconds passed in silence, broken only by the distant rustle of wind through leaves and the soft hiss of qi.
Feng finally found her voice again. "Wait… so you're not here to recapture us?"
Still facing the ground, Serika shook her head sharply.
"No. I am here only to earn your forgiveness. Or, if that is impossible… then I offer myself to punishment. But let that punishment fall upon me and not Vulkaris. My people do not deserve to be dragged into disgrace for their Sovereign's greed. They are good people who don't deserve the Avatar's animosity."
'So rumors of our heist even reached her nation…' Feng thought inwardly.
