Darius stared at Sorien from the raised seat, his expression dark.
The accusation hung heavily in the hall, and every guard present could feel the tension tightening.
"Sorien," Darius said slowly, his voice firm. "How dare you accuse me of such a thing!"
He stood up from the throne and stepped down one level, his dragon aura faintly flickering around him.
"I did not work with a demon," he continued, his eyes sharp. "If what you say is true, then it was Darrell acting on his own."
Several elders behind him exchanged uneasy looks, but none of them dared speak.
Sorien didn't look impressed. He folded his hands behind his back and took a small step forward.
"You continue to pretend ignorance," Sorien said evenly. "But the pirates around the God Archipelago were connected to Draconia."
His eyes narrowed slightly. "Do you think I am stupid?"
The words were not loud, but the authority behind them made the air feel heavier.
