Thalasar's gaze was slow and heavy. He looked past Kaelen to the Devotees' formation—perfectly even. Then, finally, his eyes settled on Nox.
Nox met the look and didn't turn away. He wanted to know what the king's decision would be—if he was a coward or a ruler who would stand his ground.
Thalasar drew a deep breath and then shifted his gaze back to Kaelen. "Aquaria hosts a lawful Hunt," he said, his voice carrying easily across the plaza. "All who join it are under my protection while it is in effect and until its prizes are awarded."
"But the Hunt has ended," Kaelen retorted. "To begin with, humans are not supposed to be down here. They'll disrupt the balance we've upheld all these years."
"Your balance is not my law," Thalasar replied, his tone growing colder. "You will not take guests from my gates."
A hush fell over the crowd as murmurs began to ripple around.
Kaelen tilted his head slightly, silver hair shifting with the motion. "You refuse?"
