"The other four clans," he replied without hesitation. "They have united."
The air seemed to freeze harder than the snow.
"United… for what?" Liv's voice barely emerged.
"To destroy Zelthar," the Grand Sorcerer said coldly. "And erase the empire."
Liv recoiled, her eyes widening.
"I–is it that bad?" she whispered.
The Grand Sorcerer nodded slowly.
"Of course it is that bad," he said. "Because to them, Zelthar is the heart of the imbalance."
His voice grew heavier as he continued.
"And fractures have already formed… even within the empire itself."
Jay clenched his fists.
"Many nobles," the Grand Sorcerer said, "especially those with blood ties or affiliations to those clans, have abandoned the Emperor."
Liv looked at Jay, her chest tightening painfully.
"The only one still standing on the empire's side," he continued softly, "is one."
The Grand Sorcerer's gaze settled fully on Jay.
"Zelthar."
The word echoed like a verdict.
