"Should someone of his standing be allowed to have a divine weapon?" one administrator asked, voice heavy with feigned concern.
"Agreed," another chimed in smoothly. "Divine weapons should only be wielded by those of equal standing and status."
"Enough," Nick snapped, his frown deep enough to carve lines into his face.
Displeasure and disappointment warred in his expression. "It's his divine weapon. He has the right to it. If you feel dissatisfied, claim it from him the right way, and don't use your power to do it."
"Yes, Governor," the administrators murmured, bowing slightly.
But their eyes gleamed with calculation.
They had heard exactly what they wanted: permission to pursue, wrapped in the thinnest veneer of legality.
Back on the battlefield, Aaron made his move.
Twin blades trailing faint wisps of shadow, he dashed toward the Oni in a low, predatory glide, boots barely touching the marble, each step silent and explosive.
