'She was a good person, but she refused to be taken advantage of—neither would she allow people to take from her without giving anything in return!' she decided.
But she had just spoken when they all instantly backed away, bowing in submission toward her as they crossed their hands over their chests in the manner in which they greeted the priests and priestesses.
One after the other they turned around to leave, though some lingered. Aira spoke louder this time, giving the order to the guards who stood beside her—guards she had now come to identify as belonging to her.
"If anyone steps close to me without my permission… cut off their legs!" she ordered, her voice sharp as steel, even as she continued standing there, relieved to see whatever hope some of them still held in their eyes instantly die.
