The tension in the clearing was so thick you could reach out and grab it. Vell's smirk lingered as he straightened up, towering over Jolly, who remained frozen on the ground. He glanced at Yenna once more, his expression unchanging.
"You are over it, huh?" he repeated, his tone light but his words laced with something deeper. "Well, I am not."
Jolly's head snapped up, her eyes wide with fear. "Please, I—"
"Save it," he interrupted, holding up a hand. "You already said your piece. Now it is time to act. You say you are willing to do anything?" His eyes glinted dangerously.
"I am," she said firmly, though her voice wavered. She kept her gaze locked on the ground, trembling.
He crouched down again, bringing his face level with hers. His voice softened, though it did not lose its edge. "Then prove it. You are going to help us take down the queen."
The words hit her like a punch to the gut. She glanced up in shock. "Me? But I—"
