"Because what you're proposing isn't an alliance or a confederation. You're proposing a complete submission. Every member of your six clans would become Sol'vur. I would have absolute authority over them, over you, over every decision affecting your people's futures."
He stepped closer, his crimson eyes moving from face to face, ensuring each leader felt the weight of his attention. "If I order someone to relocate, they relocate. If I assign them to dangerous work, they do it without question. If I make decisions you disagree with, you accept them anyway because you've surrendered the right to independent choice."
Sashrutiena of the Dhra'ckin clan met his gaze steadily despite visible discomfort.
"We understand the reality of what we're offering. We're not naive about power dynamics or how complete submission actually functions."
"Are you certain?" Jorghan pressed.
