(Dear reader, watch now as the tide begins to turn. Though whether it ebbs or flows toward justice, even I cannot yet say.)
Duke Elian Stormwatch's fist slammed down on the obsidian table with force enough to crack the ancient stone. The sound rang through the chamber like a war drum.
"Enough!"
His voice cut through the chaos, through the murmurs and accusations and carefully orchestrated outrage. Every head turned toward the young duke with battle-scarred hands and loyalty written in every line of his face.
"I was there." He stood now, leaning forward over the table, eyes blazing. "At the attack. Fighting beside His Majesty while you—" he gestured sharply at Viktor, at Daemon, at the assembled accusers, "—sat safe in your estates counting gold and composing speeches."
The insult landed like a slap.
"I watched Lady Eris save Nevarian lives. Watched her float into the air with wings of divine fire and banish every single demon back to hell. Alone. While barely able to stand."
