Luke leaned forward slightly, the weight of the conversation still pressing on his shoulders. The glow of the sconces flickered softly against the ancient stone, but the quiet in the chamber felt heavier now, like stepping deeper into a fog rather than out of it.
He looked between the two former rulers, his expression thoughtful, searching.
"Do you know when it started?" he asked. "I mean—the moment the Association really became the Association. Like… their first act under this new formation. When did they stop being scattered hate and become something united?"
The question hung in the air like a cloud of smoke. Even Ilyrana, who had remained respectfully silent until now, tilted her head, curious for the answer.
Emperor Ares, however, only exhaled slowly and leaned back in his chair. His gaze flicked downward in consideration before lifting again to meet Luke's.
"If only it were that simple."
Empress Adamantia gave a faint shake of her head.
