Eragon's golden eyes narrowed, a sharp gleam flashing behind them as his aura rippled faintly. "Are you accusing me of something, boy?" His tone was calm, but the undertone was laced with quiet threat, a warning from one predator to another.
Leon didn't flinch. "I never accused you," he said evenly. "I only asked if you had seen any of the people I'm looking for."
The air in the chamber thickened instantly. The silence turned heavy, taut like a pulled bowstring. Even the faint hum of mana wards along the walls seemed to dim.
Alexander's expression hardened. "Eragon," he said slowly, his eyes narrowing, "what are you up to now?"
Elaine's blindfolded face turned toward the dragon lord, and Francis's gaze narrowed, his sharp gaze cutting through the tension. Both wore looks that spoke of suspicion more than trust.
Eragon let out a soft, incredulous scoff. "You're not serious," he said, but the scrutiny didn't fade. The other rulers continued watching him, silent and waiting.
