Eris took a break from labor, stepping back from the forge where she'd been maintaining precise temperature for the smith's work.
Sweat dampened her hairline despite the winter cold, exhaustion pulling at muscles already worn thin by divine power burn and insufficient rest.
She was acutely aware of constant surveillance.
Citizens watched her like volatile weapon... something useful but dangerous, requiring careful distance and ready escape routes.
Their overt hostility had softened throughout the morning, fear tempered by grudging acknowledgment that the Fire Queen hadn't incinerated anyone yet. Some even nodded acknowledgment when she passed, though none met her eyes directly.
Progress, however fragile.
Eris accepted their scrutiny with grim satisfaction. At least they were watching. At least they were beginning to see her as something other than demon-summoning tyrant who'd brought hell to their doorstep.
