The tension rippled like lightning across still air.
Rael Ardyn didn't move from his saddle. He didn't need to. His knights had already encircled Haruto's group, spears angled like accusations. One wrong word would turn the conversation into blood.
Haruto stared at the prince, unmoved.
"You speak like a ruler," he said, "but offer chains wrapped in silk."
Rael tilted his head. "Do you know how many empires have collapsed because heroes refused to act when it mattered most?"
Lucien stepped forward. "Funny—most of those collapses start with someone saying exactly what you just did."
The prince ignored him. His golden eyes stayed on Haruto.
"You've seen glimpses of the future," Rael said. "You know what's coming. The Rift isn't just a crack in space. It's a wound in fate—and the creatures beyond it don't care if you're righteous or reluctant. Only if you're strong."
"I'm not denying the threat," Haruto replied. "But I don't follow kings who draw lines in the sand and call them salvation."
Rael's expression tightened, just slightly. "A pity."
He gestured once.
A knight stepped forward and dropped a heavy scroll before Haruto.
"The seal of alliance," Rael said. "Sign it, and you'll command an army larger than any house in the world. Refuse…"
He didn't finish.
He didn't have to.
The weight of the moment pressed down on everyone.
Haruto picked up the scroll—but didn't open it.
"I'll consider it," he said finally. "But I don't bow just because a crown glitters."
Rael smirked. "You'll find that some glitter... burns."
He placed his helm back on.
And without another word, the prince turned and rode off, his soldiers retreating like a black tide in reverse.
Serenya let out a slow breath. "He's dangerous."
Lucien kicked the scroll. "He's arrogant."
Haruto stared at the horizon where Rael vanished.
"He's not wrong," he whispered. "But he's not right either. We need to move before he forces the next choice."