The room inside the fortress felt cold, its air thick with tension. A number of elven soldiers stood guard around the chamber, their eyes filled with caution—some even with outright hostility. Understandable, really. To them, humans were the enemy, the very reason their villages lay in ruin. Were it not for the circumstances, Ren would likely have been thrown into a cell—or cut down on the spot.
His steps were steady as he entered the main hall, where a figure awaited him, seated on a large chair at the far end. Commander Ryul Venris, an elf with a tall, imposing posture and a face marked by calm authority. His sharp blue eyes scrutinized Ren, as if trying to peer into the depths of his mind.
"Welcome, human," Ryul said in a deep, composed voice. "I've heard you aided our children after passing through the village near the border fort."
