Bruce walked forward at a measured pace this time.
No longer a blade.
Just a man.
Servants and guards along the marble corridor stepped aside, bowing slightly as he passed. Not out of fear. Not entirely.
There was reverence in it.
Something in the air had changed. Even if they did not consciously know why, the oppressive tension that had hung over the palace for weeks had vanished. The staff felt it. The soldiers felt it. The palace felt… lighter.
Bruce entered the audience chamber without announcement.
Isolde stood near the tall frostglass windows overlooking the capital, silver hair cascading down her back like woven moonlight. She turned before he spoke.
Her eyes searched his face for less than a second.
That was enough.
"It's done," she said quietly.
Bruce gave a single nod.
"As of right now," he replied, his voice calm, grounded, "Eiskar is completely purged."
The words did not echo loudly.
They did not need to.
Silence filled the chamber, heavy and profound.
