Emery stood at the center of the arena, his breathing steady.
The Excalibur on his arm trembled faintly as its radiance faded, as though reluctant to be dismissed. There was still resistance within the blade—an echo of its will—, but it was nothing he could not suppress. With a quiet thought, he returned the sword to the sealed vault within his domain, its brilliance folding into silence.
Across from him, Eeshoo hovered in the air for a moment longer before descending to the stone floor. He stood tall, composed as ever, yet no amount of pride or restraint could fully conceal the truth in his eyes.
Defeat.
"I will keep my promise," Eeshoo said at last, his voice calm but heavy. "Tell me what you need."
Emery did not answer.
He simply turned, his gaze shifting toward the figures approaching.
Jinkan arrived first, her gaze darting between the two men, disbelief and agitation clear on her face. Atlas followed behind her.
