The hall grew quiet again after Asher spoke.
They explained everything to the king, from what happened in Velcrest to the dragon hunts, the way the system had manipulated people, and how Asher had begun to change things.
Tay and Zain helped fill in the blanks while Sinnett added some parts, mostly his observations. The king listened without interrupting.
When the story was over, the king let out a long sigh.
"I know," he said simply. "I was once part of Velcrest too. Before I came here. Before I helped build this place."
He didn't say more, but his tone carried weight. It was clear he had seen the worst of it.
Maybe he too had lost someone, or maybe he had escaped something darker. Either way, he didn't doubt their story. Not fully.
He raised his glass. The others joined him.
"To better endings," he said.
They drank. Even Tay, who didn't usually drink, took a small sip.
