"Are you sure this is okay, Fik?" Akh'sha asked, his eyes following the backs of Rakhsahsa ll as he exited the chamber.
Taufik didn't respond immediately. He watched in silence as the doors closed behind Rakhsahsa II, the echo of the young dragon king's steps fading into the distance like a departing storm.
Only then did he speak, quietly, but with a weight that carried through the chamber.
"...No," Taufik said, at last, his tone calm but cold. "But I'm not looking for what's okay. I'm looking for what's necessary"
Akh'sha frowned slightly, eyes narrowing in thought. "...You don't trust him?"
Taufik finally turned, meeting Akh'sha's gaze. His shadow curled just a bit tighter beneath his feet.
"I trust that he believes what he said," Taufik replied. "But belief doesn't equal readiness. Loyalty isn't proven with words, it's forged in fire. When that time comes, we'll see if he still stands tall... Or burns like his father did"
