Vadim PoV
"You think you can just talk me down?" he sneered, but the fire in his eyes was dimming. "You think I'll just forget the blood that's been shed?"
"No, I don't expect you to forget," I said, my heart pounding as I continued. "But you have a choice. You can either continue this cycle of violence or step away from it. You can be a leader who guides your people toward a better future instead of one who leads them to their graves."
He hesitated again, his sword wavering as he considered my words. It was a critical moment, and I sensed that the tide was turning.
"I've lost friends too," I added, allowing my voice to soften further. "I know the pain of watching loved ones fall, and I know the temptation of revenge. But I also know that vengeance only leads to more sorrow."
"You think you can change me with words?" he asked, skepticism creeping back into his tone.
